Germany Culture of Transformation, Teamwork and Tactics is a Winning Formula

I have utmost respect for Germany. As a nation, they are consummate in their planning and organisation, particularly for major sporting tournaments that matter. The same applies to other aspects of their success as a nation too. In Brazil 2014 their preparation for the Match with Brazil was pinpoint. They pulled apart a Brazil team lacking a defensive linchpin and the one flair player who could have added an extra attacking dimension. The German tactics and training ground preparation was spot-on, however this comes from a legacy culture that will bounce back from adversity and find a new way. Remember England beating Germany 5-1 in Munich in 2001? Germany then transformed themselves and set a new longer-term strategy, which could now see them as 2014 World Champions. Parallels between sport and business should be observed. Both are about the team, the culture, the transformation strategy and the shorter-term tactics. German Football is a great blueprint for winning!

Brilliant Dutch Courage by Louis van Gaal at the World Cup

To win, a leader needs to innovate and do things differently. Step forward Louis van Gaal and his gutsy decision to replace the Netherlands goalkeeper with a minute to go, so that Tim Krul’s height, reach and freshness could help win the penalty shoot-out for the Dutch. ‘Never been done before’ they cried! Well it made the difference in a tight encounter, and also showed the importance of getting the best from the whole team. The unity of the Dutch, and playing for one another, was evident. A culture also down to Louis van Gaal. The Dutch march on to a semi-final with Argentina, and Manchester United have the leader who has the inspiration to take them to the top again!