World cup 2010 teamwork learnings

Finished watching the world cup 2010 final last night, Spain Vs Netherlands.

To be honest, during this world cup I haven't really watched that many matches. Especially after when England lost, which they were quite disappointing as they didn't seem to have the teamwork, skills or the mindset in order to win the world cup.

But seeing Spain and Netherlands played, although they didn't score many goals but you get the feeling they do really want to win, doing all sort of tackles and wanting to get control of the ball, trying different shots. Spain won in the end, which I'm happy for them because they have repeated their success, and now as the European champion and world champion.

Watching the world cup has also made me think about how similar it relates to the business/property investment world. Because having a good team in business, it is as important as in football or any team sports, it's about having:

• Common Goal and Mission. Eg "be the world cup winner". As you can see from the players was going full out knowing they want to win and pick up the world cup trophy. Focusing playing their part and striving towards winning.
• Skills and Mindset- they all have to learn and train to acquire their skills and continue to practise regularly and constantly improving their skills and stamina to become the best that they can be. You can see the players played very hard, trying to open an opportunity for all sort of shots and continue playing at extra time even though some was getting tired but their minds keeps them going. In business you constantly learn to improve and seek ways to be better.
• Knowledge and Teamwork - knowing your own and other team mates strengths, weaknesses and abilities; understanding where your team mates are and what position they can get to and skills they have. And the getting the best people possible for the team, whether it is the goalie, defender and striker, etc.
• Coach or Mentor - to train and guide you, someone who has been there before you, someone who you can learn from and push you forward.
• Understanding the rules of the game - in the final match quite a few people got yellow cards, players getting off-side and missing opportunities. In investment it is important to understand the rules and how to play the game, otherwise you will miss opportunities (like in football the point of getting the ball in between the goals) or you might lose like getting red card being sent off.

Think about the game of football, in your line of work or business. It maybe quite interesting if you look at it as a game.