Germany won the World Cup final 2014 in Brazil! On the occasion of the World Cup in Brazil a comparison between sport, especially soccer, and the economy is quite obvious. A comparison of these two „worlds” is not a new or innovative idea. Many very interesting books and articles have been published in the last years and especially in these days. Soccer teams became commercial enterprises and vice versa the economy can also learn a lot from soccer teams and their success stories.
What are the factors of success of a soccer team? Regarding the German team the structure is the following: very professional players, a very good team of trainers, represented in the public mainly by the German head coach, a manager and a team of further persons giving the best support to the team they can. Each one of them has a specific role and is indispensable. This is also the basis for a successful company: very professional employees, an excellent management and further involved persons giving a very qualified support.
In addition three main factors shall be emphasized and discussed in the following. One key factor is not only to be a team but also to act as a team. All of them have one common goal – to be successful and to win the match or rather the whole competition. Everyone works hard and is motivated to achieve this common purpose together with the whole team. But to act as a team does not mean that everyone is allowed to publish things like strategy and the team selection. Compared to soccer teams also in companies this should be the privilege of the CEO.
The second and very fascinating factor of a World Cup is to bring together so many countries of the world. Also within the economy a lot of companies do business around the world. And one has to be aware of the fact that due to different market conditions, the investments and experiences that have to be made, this is not an easy task.
The third main factors are the rules of the game. A team of referee and linesmen take care for a fair play. Each team is punished in the same way for fouls and serious breaches of the rules. In each country there are laws and in addition within the economy there are further rules. And in the long run for successful economies it is only possible to keep such a high level of performance, when there is a fair and non-discriminating competition and the compliance with laws, rules and values. Permanent fouls and hindering the work of another person, team or company to get orders, still higher positions or to cover any further desire, weaken the economy and even worse don’t bring it forward in the long run. Within the economy comparable to soccer excellent performance, know-how and an intelligent approach are requested.
A lot of further analogies can be found between soccer teams and companies. A huge respect has to be paid for all successful sport teams and for all successful, motivated and innovative companies, playing a fair game and acting on a World Cup level.
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