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Lessons From the Bench

I watched England the other day winning their semi final in the 2020 Euros. That was strange enough as I usually don’t watch the football.  But what I saw was inspiring.  It wasn’t the game itself, that made an impression, but the lessons it demonstrated.

For the first time, in a long time, it seemed, the team were a team.

  • Led by someone they respected
  • Not driven by ego
  • Sharing opportunities with each other
  • Noticing the contribution of others
  • Allowing the moment to bring out the best in them
  • Driven by doing good for all concerned

Now others will have their take on what they saw.  Funny that.  We experience the same moment but process it differently.

We all know that, in our teams – be it work, family or friends. We’re all part of others’ lives and play our part.

So what can we learn from The Game? – or what did I learn?

Gareth Southgate of course has history. It’s been well repeated. I’d hate to get the details wrong. It’s his persistence that matters over a moment’s disappointment.

He’s carried personal and national shame for that moment,  for years.

I give him big applause for staying humble, reserved, quiet and unassuming. He’s quietly assumed the role of England Football Manager. He’s not flashy or loud.  His opinions aren’t shouted. He’s become a great leader.

The play is what matters. His part has been to mesh a group of mixed egos into a  cohesive whole. And he’s done that admirably.

On screen I see his quiet manner in encouraging the players. I see how their all-for-one and one-for-all approach is working. And it’s a sight indeed.

What can we learn from this?

  • Can we allow ourselves to step back and let others shine?
  • Can we give them the skills to step into their own light?
  • Can we be humble and tight lipped when pushed, instead of mouthing off to others?
  • Can we support and guide those who would look to us for our knowledge and experience?
  • How can we as individuals, and as a Team, work to build stronger units around us?

WE should all take lessons from those we admire – those who rise up despite adversity.

It’s all to easy to blame others, and not look inside ourselves for the answers. To learn how We can move forward and be stronger and better. Not in spite of perhaps, but because of.

Some of our greatest lessons are often defeat.

It’s how we learn to face fears and overcome our challenges.

Do we turn away and give up, or do we look inside and ask ourselves what part of our thinking needs to change to be the person we need to be?

I’ve no doubt that Mr Southgate looked hard at himself to figure things out. Shame and guilt can crease us and keep us stuck. But he found a way to move past it.

And by doing that, consistently, his way, he’s now guiding a whole Team of young individuals who see the world through his thinking.

No small feat Mr. Southgate! Oh yes, and on the way, he carries the hope of thousands.

For me, he’s already proved his mettle. Our Team is poised on a moment of greatness.

What lessons can The Game teach you? Who do you admire and respect?

How can you share your insights with those around you, to help them step up to be better than they thought possible, when their moment in the sun comes?

It's worth kicking around a few ideas. Seeing the bigger picture is always a step/kick in the right direction.