SPAIN ensured that all Italians were Romans, in the recently concluded European Nations Cup final; even if only the Azzuri spent most of their time, fruitlessly ‘roaming’ on the pitch, in search of the ball. Spain closed out the tournament in signature style, ‘passing’ their way into footballing history. Along the way throwing established paradigms; out of the proverbial touchline of conventional footballing strategy.
And yet, when Zinedine Zidane had dispatched them into oblivion, in the 2006 World Cup fourth round; leaving both Carlos Puyol and Iker Casillas, on their haunches-literally and metaphorically, none of this was evident merely six years ago. The turnaround of Spain, from perennial underachievers to emphatic champions, has been a truly remarkable story. This is a tale which holds precious lessons, for those on the ball in white collars, trying to rise to the top in their very own domains. For in breaking the shackles and forging their own unique identity; La Furia Roja has uncovered compelling insights, for those in the corporate world to take heed of.
Ignoring the effects of history
Over the last few decades, the only things thrown the Spanish team’s way (along with brickbats), were numbers. Before every tournament, the press used to go to town, about how this Spanish team was condemned by the nation’s past legacy. Other than the European Nations Cup in 1964, Spain had nothing other than shattered dreams to show for, at international tournaments.
However statistics never quite paint the real picture. The current lot of Spanish players; arise largely from two mega clubs-Barcelona and Real Madrid. And over the past fourteen years, they have won six Champions League trophies between them. Surely the winning mentality was not alien to this crop of performers. History glossed over the salient fact, that the elements in question (in this case the players), had completely changed.
Organizations are also saddled with the ‘ghosts of the past’. Failed new products, unsuccessful forays into new markets, unconventional corporate strategies; all might have failed, simply because it wasn’t their time. Or the personnel in question, was not equipped to handle those specific challenges. But the sands of time bring about significant changes, especially in terms of the constitution of teams. And what was once inconceivable, might suddenly be within grasp.
Hence the lessons of history must always be contemplated with a pinch of salt. For as Spain showed, there is always new history in the making.
Celebrating the team over the individual
No current Spanish player has yet won the FIFA Ballon D’or, the trophy for the World Player of the Year. Though it is interesting to see how much longer, juries who seem influenced by media campaigns, continue to deny Xavi and Iniesta. But perhaps, it is this very emergence of the team, over any illustrious individual, which seems to have sparked Spanish fortunes.
This attitude was exemplified by Fernando Torres – who having had a relatively mild tournament till that moment, selflessly laid the ball for Juan Matta to score in the final, when he could have easily done so himself. The Spanish team style is all about finding a better placed team mate, in every situation on the pitch. There are no prima donna’s trying to hog the ball. And in a time, when individualism is on the rise, this truly represents a refreshing attitude.
A return to the team ethic is warranted in the corporate world as well, now more than ever before. As individuals try to forge their own ‘personal brands’ it is essential that those ‘Dravid-like’ employees, who unspectacularly hold the fort together, always get their due. Often it is these very people who silently make the team tick, and appreciating them serves to build the health of the organization for the long term.
Watching Xavi Hernandez silently thread pass after pass, keeping Spanish moves ceaselessly going, one cannot but help wonder-are there any in one’s own office doing the same? Without the benefit of television coverage though.
Playing to their strengths
Spain redefined footballing formations this tournament. Lacking the prolific goal scoring prowess of David Villa, they chose to play Cesc Fabregas (a playmaking midfielder otherwise) in the striker’s position, for most of the tournament. But this is simply indicative, of how the Spanish have developed a mindset, of playing to their strengths. If the best ten outfield players they believed they had did not include a conventional forward, so be it.
Missing an aerial threat they chose to conduct the game on the ground. Without tough tackling, throw ‘one’s body on the line’ kind of traditional defenders, they simply redefined defense, as the art of not giving the ball to the opposition. Spain has lit a radiant example, of playing the game on one’s own terms.
Frequently organizations stress too much about plugging the ‘conventional slots’. Often this thinking takes away resources, and inevitably comes up with sub optimal solutions. The mindset of having all the boxes ticked, while a smart strategy when taking competitive exams, rarely does as well in the real world of business. Ancient military strategists have long extolled the virtues of conducting battle, in one’s preferred areas. Perhaps it is time to revisit that thinking in present times. Because, as Spain gloriously showed, it is all about eventually scoring goals, rather than worrying about positions on the pitch.
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To conclude, Spain has thrilled the hearts of the footballing aficionado, with their displays of late. But for corporate think tanks, there might be a lot more to cull out from their matches, than only the satisfaction of witnessing an exquisitely crafted goal. For as the Spanish team stiches pass after pass together, one can almost see the fabric of strategic thinking change-sporting and otherwise.
