Turning "Losers" into Winners

I've been a football fan for the longest time, and those who know me know that I support Liverpool FC since I was 8 years old. In my adult life, especially in the last decade, I've also been following the various thought trends on effective team and individual performance management. I've always been fascinated by the effect of a new boss or manager at a team, and the ways this new individual can power up a previously ineffective team, totally changing their mind sets, and creating winners.

​Having managed commercial and management teams, I find some affinity to what has been happening at Liverpool football club with the arrival of a new manager. Jurgen Klopp has come into the football club and basically transformed how the players have performed - a total contrast to their time under the previous manager. I can see the following parallels in the management world
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• Take time to know your team

When Klopp came into the team, he took time to know his players. He studied their strengths, and got inside their heads as to how to motivate them. In contrast to many other managers, he did not publicly indicate any drastic changes, but instead focused on how he can get the best out of his existing crop of players. As a corollary to the management world, many new bosses and CEOs come into the company vowing to make drastic changes to the staff in an attempt to produce quick results. Sometimes this works, but many a time it can backfire and any positive results are only short term. Such disruptive management practices often lead to high turnover rates leading to talent drain. Show belief in your team publicly and privately

• Play individuals in their effective positions - Leverage on Strengths

As a result of knowing his players' strengths, Klopp played them in positions where they enjoyed and played their best. This was in contrast to the previous manager who deployed "utility" players in unfamiliar roles often leading to mistakes and losing games. In the management world, recognising your team's individual strengths and leveraging on these traits to produce a bigger impact is key to team management. Yes there are weaknesses in everyone, but an effective team means leveraging on strengths to overcome individual weaknesses as a priority. Weaknesses can then be dealt with on the training pitch in a more gradual and effective pace
 

• Celebrate successes

It has been well documented how Klopp celebrates with his team after each game - hugs and smiles were the order of the day, and every goal scored an emphatic celebration by the coach on the touchlines. This transmits to the players leading to immense motivation to play all out for their leader. Likewise in managing your team, find reasons to celebrate enthusiastically every success, no matter how small. Every small step leads to a big end. Even if mistakes are made, make sure its positively communicated and ensure the individual recognises and learns from this. But always do it constructively and positively

• Be humble but firm

Its often said that strong managers are loud, extroverted and boastful. I believe on the contrary. You get better results from your team by being firm but humble, and understanding what's in their heads and hearts. 

• Focus on the bigger picture

Get your team's buy-in to your vision and goals. And tell them how they can achieve this. Klopp envisioned Liverpool winning titles within 3-4 years, and he clearly imparted his playing philosophy into his players from the first off. Similarly, its critical for leaders to be transparent and open with their teams on the corporate and team goals, and develop clear action plans