Learn from World Cup Leadership

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What It’s About: The FIFA World Cup is by far the greatest sports event on Earth. The “beautiful game” is truly global, in that almost every country in the world plays it. In some places like Brazil, Spain, Italy, England, and more, it’s more popular than religion. In many ways, football is synonymous with the way these countries feel about themselves.

To be a coach/manager in the World Cup, includes having a megawatt spotlight on one’s head. Everything about your leadership will be openly assessed. John Herdman is the manager of the surprising, although big underdogs, Team Canada. The general view of Herdman, as expressed affectionately by his players, is that they would run head first through cement for him. He is revered by the team. Why?

A core part of Herdman’s coaching philosophy was influenced by his early experience as manager of the Football Ferns in New Zealand. The club’s defender, Kristy Hill, told him about a Māori saying: "You have to touch someone's heart before you can take them by the hand.” Herdman took this advice to heart, and openly speaks about the connection between winning and a people first approach.

So What?: Herdman emphasizes respect and safety as a coach. He understands that results come from seeing his players as humans in advance of being elite athletes. He knows that psychological safety is the foundation for trust, and that it's impossible to win on the pitch without everyone feeling respected, listened to, and openly speaking up. Herdman also believes in constant experimentation, which he refers to as “pioneering,” and employing the joy of play as a fundamental. Here’s Herdman’s quote from a recent Maclean’s article: “I’ve always held the philosophy that ‘work made fun gets done,’ so we do icebreakers before every team meeting. Sometimes, the guys play ‘rock, paper, scissors’ or ‘grab the cup.’”

Now What?: I’m predicting that Team Canada will be a surprise performer in the 2022 World Cup. Of course, it ultimately comes down to the players executing well on the field. However, team morale, a growth mindset, and a feeling of brotherhood often propels players to extraordinary performance well beyond potential. And Herdman is the kind of leader who creates that atmosphere.

Business leaders, you’d be well advised to learn from this real life Ted Lasso. And we’d all be better served if we embraced the Māori philosophy: "You have to touch someone's heart before you can take them by the hand.”

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: FIFA has certainly had its troubles, however managers like Herdman are helping the sport grow in a positive way. While I don’t expect Team Canada to take home a trophy at the World Cup, the leadership exposure and influence from this coaching staff will be a win.

- Garrett

Edited and published by Garrett Rubis

Learn from World Cup Leadership

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