"Footy is like Business!" Article by Steve Marsten

The NRL Grand final will be over by the time you read my article this week. Now let’s be clear – I’m not a fan of either team. The Bunnies after 43 years in the wilderness are finally back in a grand final and as a result tend to tug on the heartstrings given they are one of the true traditional teams left. Booted out and then picking themselves up, dusting themselves off and forcing themselves back into the competition shows a certain grit, focus and determination necessary to maintain their relevance and continuity. There is a lot we can learn from them in relation to the way we conduct business. 

Owners are more like the team coaches. They have had plenty of experience and in a good team – simply need to provide guidance, support and motivation. Maybe even a game plan each week that is part of an overall goal – The Annual Business Plan.

Often when the economy slides or things become tight and revenues are falling, some owners want to try and play all the team positions – the salesman; the Administration manager, the HR manager, the IT Manager; the operations manager or the rainmaker. They tend to panic and stress out and don’t actually play well in any position. It would be like Des Hasler strapping on his boots and running out. He would probably go ok for the first 10 minutes and then fatigue would set in and he would be good for no one!

Really what needs to happen when things get a little difficult is to call timeout – have a half time break. Talk to the team. Review the game plan. Highlight your strengths and see if there are better strategies that you can utilise. Maybe someone needs to be removed from the game or maybe you need an injection of enthusiasm and hence a personnel change may be called for. Either way it’s important the business owners adopt the Wayne Bennett approach – stay cool; stay calm no matter how disastrous things are looking. Replan and refocus will achieve the result! At Sothertons we can show you how to stop playing every position and focus being the coach in control. Phone us on 07 4972 1300.