Noise -V- Silence

I often write about sporting teams. The successful teams and the not so successful teams. Reason being, they are great examples and analogies when it comes to talking about what is present in high performing teams and, of course, those who don’t perform as well.

There are obviously a number of contributing factors when it comes to sporting teams. For those professional teams, the Board and sporting club having an influence on what occurs within the team. Greater contributing factors and influences are the coach and captain of the team.

I don’t think I have written about the Wallabies before. Maybe because it is too depressing. I read an article by Mark Ella regarding the last match played by the Wallabies against Argentina. The Wallabies were losing badly at half time and it took a ‘rant’ by the coach, Michael Cheika, to give them the motivation to finally win the game. Ella was debating the merits of a coach yelling at his side or remaining silent.

It reminded me of a leader I worked with who turned around a team whose absenteeism, safety record and performance was abysmal. He was patient, took the time to know his team, was calm and encouraging. I never saw him raise his voice. Their absenteeism, safety and performance all improved. They were very happy.

This leader eventually left the business because he would never rise above the position he had in that business. He didn’t fit what that business saw as a ‘leader’. His replacement was aggressive and basically his opposite. In no time, the team was back to high absenteeism, a terrible safety record and high turnover.

Some people believe having a leadership style based on power is the only way to achieve. Ironically, it will achieve for a little while and things will get done, but eventually it will fail.

Are you using a leadership style of power? What results are you getting?

Wonder what result the Wallabies will get next?