Lessons from the world cup

Joseph Alaba (Alabama Joe)

1. Shoot for the goal and if you miss, you’ll land among your team. It is a great strategy to understand that the strength of a whole replaces the weakness of an individual. It also makes for a softer fall when your knees buckle.
2 Make the most out of lousy calls, undeserved cards and unwanted injuries. Embrace constraints as advantages in disguise. Flexibility in the face of change and resilience in the face of confusion are non-negotiable. Push through the discomfort and prepare yourself for anything. Those who say that it can’t be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.
3 Talent doesn't always win. Four years ago Spain captured their first world cup title. Folks were expecting them to do it again this World Cup. With some of the best players in the world and a large part of the rosters of highly acclaimed Real Madrid and Barcelona, people predicted Spain would make another deep run. However, they didn’t. They exited after an embarrassing loss to the Netherlands and two lackluster efforts to follow. England and Italy, two other nations with lengthy resumes made similar exits while making way for smaller less talented teams to advance.
These early exits serve as an important reminder for businesses: Talent alone doesn't guarantee success. It takes more with things such as effort, innovation and strategy immediately coming to mind.
4 Don’t be intimidated by first impressions. When we see a giant, why do we automatically assume the battle is his for the winning? While it’s smart to be prepared and anticipate risk, don’t make assumptions about what is possible (or impossible). When the defending champion Spain lost to Chile, this upset put momentum behind the underdog and challenged the status quo. Be a team united in possibility.
5 Know your vulnerabilities—and protect them. Just as 11 goalies do not win a soccer game, an individual does not beat a team. But without one appointed goal keeper, the team is left with a vulnerable gap. Fill that gap, anticipate problems and you’ll leave an impression so great that the competition will dread your next move.
6 Its all about the team not an individual. A community of people, connected to one another wield a fierce faith in a common idea. Teams reflect the mindset of their players. And players reflect the mindset of their coach. A shared commitment to the advancement of an idea or project galvanizes a movement. And when that movement strikes terror with reality, well it’s evident that it all boils down to this: Team work makes the dream work.
7 Winning is not everything. You are not going to win at everything you try, but every loss is an opportunity to practice good character. When you do not meet your goals, make another goal for yourself to act graciously. The one will always be within your reach.
8 And in the end: The World Cup reminds us of the importance of winning and losing with grace.
9 Never forget the God factor. I saw David Luiz on his knees praying to God after his team lost 7-1 to Germany.
Win or lose give thanks.