…Motivation, communication as levers
The popular parlance ‘it is not over until it is over’ is a regular reminder that even when situations, dreams and achievements seem impossible, it is never too late to turn things around.
Really, in life it is often easy to give up when things get tough, but the truth is that until you give it your all, you can never be sure if you have failed.
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At the ongoing AFCON competition, the hosts country, Cote D’Ivoire almost failed to qualify for the round of 16 which will see them progress in the tournament.
The country secured 3 points having won only one match during the first round. They beat Guinea Bissau 2-0 and lost to Nigeria 0-1 and Equitorial Guinea 0-4.
At this point, when the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire seem weak to stand, the country lost hope. The coach, Jean-Louis Gasset was fired. Some reports say he resigned. The fans took to the streets, venting their anger on the nation and the national team, destroying properties.
After the termination of the French tactician contract by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), former Ivory Coast midfielder Emerse Faé took charge on an interim basis. This was to fill the gap, as they are not sure of qualifying.
Eventually, the Elephants qualified for the round of 16 with 3 points, courtesy of Ghana loss to Cape Verde. Ghana needed a draw.
Even at this time, the team was not given a chance of advancing in the tournament. This was predicated on sack of the coach, their poor performance, the appointment of Emerse who was considered of having less coaching experience. Again the team was to face top rated Senegal, the defending champion, the Goliath.
The Elephants came to the match with same players, fought from all angles stood against the Teranga Lions and won the match.
Cote D’Ivoire that won AFCON in 2015 also came into the quarter final match against Mali last Saturday with determination. Even with 10 man team, the Elephants dumped the Malians.
What did Emerse Fae do differently or tell the players?
Emerse took some of the players that his former boss never had confidence on and gave them more playing opportunity. The players like Pepe, Adingra, Seri tried to justify such confidence by playing their heart out. The result showed. The Elephants are in the semi final.
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Emerse character and emotions must have also positively rubbed off on the team. A leader needs to have ‘can do attitude’ and impact this on his/her team in a way they will follow.
Communication and motivation were some of his secrets. Emerse must have borrowed the words of William Whewell, an English Philosopher who lived between 1794 and 1866. William had said “Every failure is a step to success”. But how many business managers believe in this statement. Emerse believed.
Akonte Ekine, CEO of Absolute PR said Elephants progress is a can do spirit. He said managers should have never give up attitude and in a game time. “When you have challenges better face it squarely. With 10 man team they keep pushing and they got the result. In management as long as you try, result will always come”.
As a manager, the way you motivate and communicate to your team members is significant to achieving result. Cote D’ Ivoire eventual progress has lessons for leadership and followership in every organisation. Don’t give up. Find the rights words to motivate your team.
