I predict that one of the European nations will become world champion on Sunday, July 11, 2010.
That’s is not too difficult, a 75% probability at this point in the tournament. How did it get to be this easy? And was it this predictable even last week? I say, yes, based on two complementary aspects: the game of soccer has morphed, as it does about every decade, and the South American national teams have not adapted and matured with it. Where their individual skill and personality during each game ultimately made the difference in previous World Cup tournaments, their emotional involvement with the game now appears to quickly be their Achilles heel. Point in case: Brazil and Uruguay both lost their game against European national teams because they individually and as a team lost their heads after unexpected setbacks as far as I am concerned.
The world of business is changing before our eyes as well. With partnering taking hold in many companies across industries, Executives must rethink what it takes to put winning teams on the field of international business. The strengths of American companies ten years ago might keep them from a maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage. In my opinion great business teams balance three crucial aspects:
- Solid organizational framework
- Well educated and well trained employees
- An environment in which each individual can find enjoyment in the assigned role
American business in recent history relied on strong central management to direct the flurry of activity that is associated with its philosophy of ‘trial and error with continuous refinement’, leading to an ever more stable system producing wins. This works, as long as the game doesn’t change around you. It is now.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I recommend companies take a serious consideration to moving from a American football playing style to a Global soccer playing style. The increasing adoption of alliance and partnering business models is the driving force behind the changing game.
Creative employees
Employees must be enabled to mature to ‘teaming 2.0′, the teaming with employees from other companies in a formal relationship to pursue a common strategic objective. Teaming 2.0 requires individuals to think independently and switch plays and places as the game demands. Today’s game with between the Netherlands and Uruguay showed how the Dutch players could be found in roles that weren’t their starting assignments. Versatile as they are, they played where the game and the team needed them at that phase of the game.
Sustainable framework
Allowing employees to ‘organize their own work and work arrangements’ is a concept that puts up strong defenses among executives. Why? With a flat world that shows an increasing number of players and increasing activity (read: ‘chaos’ to the casual observer) your employees must be allowed more liberty than they have had in recent history. The way to safely give it to them is to deploy a solid framework of practices to support them. In Alliances and Partnering, the Generally Accepted Partnering Practices are such a framework that may be adopted. Such a framework will enhance consistency and predictability, leading to better risk management. Employees that understand the framework, are able to perform their role with creativity and dedication.
Enjoying the game
The third and most important aspect of work in the 21st century: enjoyment in the work you have decided to perform. With free lance jobs popular, economies in flux and people looking for more autonomy to protect their family’s interests, giving individuals an increased level of self-determination in their work makes a lot of sense. Increasingly, individuals decide which company they will work for, and for how long. Acknowledging they contribution creates a greater bond with the organization they identify with. This is a significant element if risk management as partnering relies on individual’s loyalty to the long term objectives of the organization they work for.
Let me just put it out there: It will be The Netherlands against Germany, low scoring game, penalty shoot out, Germany wins.