Management adopts the sporting spirit
15 September 2008
Read by 1543 persons
If high-profile athletes are often used to bring their fame to companies, these companies also benefit from sporting values.
For three weeks, companies will be living to the rhythm of football. Endless conversation topics throughout the duration of the Euros, the successes or failures of the French team will be studied, analyzed, and dissected in front of the coffee machine or the big screen TV at the local bar.
While managers complain about the inevitable drop in productivity when matches take place during office hours, football can also have beneficial effects on the functioning of a company. "Sport can undeniably create strong bonds within a company," explains Thierry Lardinoit, marketing professor and holder of the European Chair of Sports Marketing at ESSEC. "But beyond that, a CEO can draw inspiration from the role of the team captain, who is on the field, gets involved, defends, or scores goals."
A CEO can also try managing differently. "In terms of human resources, we need to analyze the role of coaching trainers, which is very similar to that of CEOs," continues Thierry Lardinoit. "The head of a youth team must manage both the short term for immediate titles and develop their players over two years."
The school of reality
Similarly, a boss must both ensure the commercial results necessary for the company and allow time for training. "And, above all, high-level athletes know how to overcome failure; they study it to improve," he continues. "In business, it's not very common to talk about failures and draw all the conclusions."
Because sport is the school of reality. "In sport, you can't always, except in team sports where you can always blame others, find many excuses for your own failings," explains Gilles Amado, professor in the management and human resources department at HEC. "You have to look within yourself, but without aiming for extreme performance which, in business, can lead to being sidelined."
Sport can also make life easier in the company. "Solidarity, so important in sport, is absent from company life," continues Gilles Amado. "Most people see their colleagues as potential rivals, because everyone fears for their position. It's important to develop team spirit."
Towards a common goal
Of course, a football match can help break down hierarchical barriers and build relationships, something companies don't hesitate to do since many have one or more teams, and large groups even organize major tournaments. "It's also worth noting that major sports were codified in Victorian-era universities in England, as a complement to business training," explains François Leccia, director of the Institute of Sport and Management at Grenoble Ecole de Management. "Rugby is particularly well-suited to this."" Individual sports are also in the spotlight.
Large groups also bet on golf. "By choosing Tiger Woods, Accenture wants to highlight the qualities of precision and concentration." But sport is also about a team's focus on a common goal.
"When a whole team is focused on a project, and shares a common understanding of it, it can bring pleasure," continues François Leccia. "Even in difficulties, I see people enjoying themselves in companies."
Posted September 15, 2008
lefigaro.fr
For three weeks, companies will be living to the rhythm of football. Endless conversation topics throughout the duration of the Euros, the successes or failures of the French team will be studied, analyzed, and dissected in front of the coffee machine or the big screen TV at the local bar.
While managers complain about the inevitable drop in productivity when matches take place during office hours, football can also have beneficial effects on the functioning of a company. "Sport can undeniably create strong bonds within a company," explains Thierry Lardinoit, marketing professor and holder of the European Chair of Sports Marketing at ESSEC. "But beyond that, a CEO can draw inspiration from the role of the team captain, who is on the field, gets involved, defends, or scores goals."
A CEO can also try managing differently. "In terms of human resources, we need to analyze the role of coaching trainers, which is very similar to that of CEOs," continues Thierry Lardinoit. "The head of a youth team must manage both the short term for immediate titles and develop their players over two years."
The school of reality
Similarly, a boss must both ensure the commercial results necessary for the company and allow time for training. "And, above all, high-level athletes know how to overcome failure; they study it to improve," he continues. "In business, it's not very common to talk about failures and draw all the conclusions."
Because sport is the school of reality. "In sport, you can't always, except in team sports where you can always blame others, find many excuses for your own failings," explains Gilles Amado, professor in the management and human resources department at HEC. "You have to look within yourself, but without aiming for extreme performance which, in business, can lead to being sidelined."
Sport can also make life easier in the company. "Solidarity, so important in sport, is absent from company life," continues Gilles Amado. "Most people see their colleagues as potential rivals, because everyone fears for their position. It's important to develop team spirit."
Towards a common goal
Of course, a football match can help break down hierarchical barriers and build relationships, something companies don't hesitate to do since many have one or more teams, and large groups even organize major tournaments. "It's also worth noting that major sports were codified in Victorian-era universities in England, as a complement to business training," explains François Leccia, director of the Institute of Sport and Management at Grenoble Ecole de Management. "Rugby is particularly well-suited to this."" Individual sports are also in the spotlight.
Large groups also bet on golf. "By choosing Tiger Woods, Accenture wants to highlight the qualities of precision and concentration." But sport is also about a team's focus on a common goal.
"When a whole team is focused on a project, and shares a common understanding of it, it can bring pleasure," continues François Leccia. "Even in difficulties, I see people enjoying themselves in companies."
Posted September 15, 2008
lefigaro.fr
