CORPORATE LESSONS FROM QATAR 2022

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has finally ended and as usual, sky-high tension and excitement will gradually wear off, much like the year 2022. Yes, there were quite a few staggering surprises, lots of drama but finally, a winner emerged and whether our countries lost or the teams we were supporting fell off too soon, we all agree that it was a fair competition and was thoroughly entertaining and engaging.

The World Cup and indeed most sports tournaments bring home some vital lessons which we need to implement in our businesses to succeed. The first thing that we noticed is that every team came to win the trophy; football is entertaining but every team goes into the competition not to entertain or show off individual skills but to land the goals and eventually win the trophy. In business, if the entire organisation is focused on meeting the target, eschewing individual merit-chasing and gains, chances of failure would be thin. A successful business owner is one who knows how to motivate and foster such single-eyed loyalty among his employees.

The next thing to note is the importance of teamwork. Sports events, more than many other activities, drive home the importance of building a strong and reliable team. Teams bring individual skills and ideas and merge them to facilitate success. Teams watch out for one another and the best interest of the establishment. They know that when on the job, each person pitches in to plug any loophole and nobody’s role ends until the whistle blows and success is achieved. Teams know that they are as strong as their weakest link and when one fails, everyone has failed so there is a constant need for training, evaluation, adjustments and even outright replacement of team members in order to achieve the desired goals. This energy is very important in business.

Qatar 2022 distinctly showed us that no competitor should be overlooked; some of the big names from previous world cup competitions dropped off too early at this year’s event. Put in the same hard work in handling the ‘small’ jobs as in handling the big ones. Until target is met and surpassed, the energy should remain the same. By the 10^th month, some companies had met their target while some are closing the year at 50% success.  It is important to focus on the end goal so that slip-ups would be spotted easily and addressed quickly.

In the field, race, social status, religion and political inclination cease to exist; the players are simply professionals doing a great job. Entrepreneurs must pick their staff on the grounds of efficiency and effectiveness and not because of their gender, ethnic group, political affiliations or religion. When emphasis is rightly placed on productivity and not sentiments, success is more certain.

 Don’t dwell on mistakes, learn from them and move on. Remember that your role is not over until the final whistle is blown. Bounce back quickly from setbacks because the clock keeps ticking.

Develop a positive mindset. The legendary Mohammed Ali said he always visualised himself winning before every boxing match and it was that image that stuck to mind and helped him to push on relentlessly until the mental image became a reality for all to see. Don’t draw your budget with a certain mindset that you would not achieve it. If you fail in your mind, you might as well close shop and go home. The audacity to keep pushing against all odds is achieved only when the mind can see victory and nothing else.

The year 2022 is almost over. Make plans for the new year. Brood on your plans until you can visualise a tremendously fulfilling and financially rewarding 2023. Like every successful football player, you have to train and exercise at all times, there are no free days. Don’t join the ‘detty December’ gang mindlessly. Have a daily calendar of activities and achievements. Network with and share ideas with your contemporaries and if you have a coach, make good use of the person.

Fatherhood with Ibe

KEEPING IT REAL AT CHRISTMAS

I was walking into the lobby of a company in the US recently when I nearly bumped into my kid sister. We laughed because although we both live mostly in Nigeria, it was the second time in a few months that we’d run into each other in America.

“It seems I have to come more often to America if I want to see you regularly, Brother.” She teased. “You keep travelling; you are never in one place.” She said after we’d exchanged a hug. It was a usual complaint.

“It’s called hustle, my dear; you don’t do that sitting in one place.” I replied, smiling.

“You seem to be up and about too. How is your family doing?”

She let out a deep breath and spread her hands expressively.

“We are doing well. I came over to the house with the girls last time I heard you were in Abuja just a few weeks ago but of course, you had travelled again.” She said, laughing.

I smiled.

“I was told. How is business? Your industry seems to be enjoying a boost; I hope you are taking full advantage of that?” I asked.

She chuckled mirthlessly.

“The market is steady but the cost of business is crippling; turnover is high but the profit margin is thin. For the past eighteen months, I get into a panic at the end of every month when it’s time to pay staff salaries.”

I chuckled.

“I know what you mean but you have to keep exploring your options.” I advised and we talked a little about the developments in her business and what brought her to the US.

We said goodbye but just as I was about to step away, she stopped me.

“Brother, you didn’t end up doing business with my friend.” She complained, pouting like a little girl.

“Which friend is that?” I asked, mentally running through our previous communications.

“The rice merchant! She was really counting on your patronage; you don’t know how much your 400 bags would have boosted her business.”

“I am not buying rice this year.” I replied simply. “I communicated that to your friend.”

“She told me but I thought you were just managing her. You mean the women in the village will not receive their usual Christmas package from you this year? Wow!! They will be very disappointed.”

“I know and it breaks my heart but I can’t afford that gesture this year.” I said.

My sister exclaimed again. She had witnessed the rice sharing in the village several times in the past two decades.

They will be disappointed, she repeated, talking about the beneficiaries.

“The main theme of Christmas is love, the gifts are secondary. I can’t afford it this year but things may change next year besides, there might be other sons of the land that would fill the gap effortlessly. I have to be true to my reality.”

“I understand, Brother. I’m really happy that I had this conversation with you. Christmas is about love and there are many ways to show love. My company usually holds a Christmas party where we invite families. This costs us a lot of money and this year, we simply can’t afford it. The budget has been sitting on my table for weeks.”

I nodded in understanding.

“An end of year party is good, it’s like a pat on the back for workers and gives them the opportunity to unwind and mingle but if you can’t afford a party, then you can’t. I am sure your staff will rather come back in January to a fully functional company than have a party and be financially stressed in the new year.” I advised.

“Exactly! It’s just that my HR thinks it is a vital tradition for us to uphold.” She bemoaned.

“That tradition is great but only if you can afford it. You can actually call your staff together and over drinks, thank them for their input this year, making sure to highlight the really outstanding achievements. Share the company’s vision for 2023 and wish them a wonderful Christmas with their loved ones.” I said and glancing at my wristwatch, I knew I had to go and keep my appointment.

A few minutes later, just as I stepped into a meeting, I received a message from my sister.

“Brother, you just gave me a Merry Christmas. A big weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you.”

I smiled. Sometimes a kind word or a listening ear is worth more than gold.

Spread the Christmas love around and be true to your own reality.

Merry Christmas folks!!