What can moments from history teach us, and how can this impact the business of today?
Nigel publishes a monthly leadership column; here is the one for June 2010 As leaders in business, as well as being responsible for our own performance, we have to inspire others to perform. Fine words are easy on a platform at the corporate away day, but sometimes well chosen comments in the thick of the action can change the game for the staff. During these weeks when ‘England Expects’ I am reminded of the Ramsey moment. Sir Alf Ramsey was the England football team manager in 1966. England were one of the favourites to win the competition and were playing at home. They made the final at Wembley, against the Germans. It was England’s biggest ever game and what turned out to be their only victory in a major tournament ever (to date). Ramsey and the 11 were set to become living sporting legends of the nation. The game was finely balanced, with the best players on both sides canceling each other out. At the end of normal time the score was tied at 2-2. In those days both teams stayed on the pitch. Exhausted by their efforts in the summer heat, both teams sat on the grass. Ramsey rushed on the pitch and tells the England team not to sit down … stating “don’t let the Germans see that we are tired”. England got to their feet, the Germans kept seated. And with the help of Geoff Hurst’s two famous extra time goals, England won the world cup and became world champions. In an age before sports psychology had become popularized, Ramsey knew that a finely balanced game the deciding factor might be getting the players’ minds right. Everyone was tired, but to let the opponents and your teammates see it, was to give away an advantage. The body language of the team to their opponents and to each other could be important. With sport as in business, the result is often tilted in your favour or against you, by small events and moments. Ramsey’s inspiration is to teach us that a comment in a crisis that gets others to change their behaviour can be a match winner. It also suggests that the behaviour of us all affects both how the competition sees us, and how we see ourselves. Ramsey supplied the words but it would be the actions that would change the game. When things get tight if we believe we can do it then usually we can. In business as in sport the spoils have to go to someone. The cup has to go to one of the teams – if we get to our feet, believe in each other, work hard for each other, and believe it’s coming home … then it just might! Nigel Cushion is the Chairman of the leadership development business, nelsonspirit.co.uk. Chairman of online furniture retailer, pinesolutions.co.uk; and Chairman of a canapé manufacturer, Frank Dale Foods. nigel@nigelcushion.co.uk 