Sport is a microcosm of society with quantifiable outcomes. It is a fertile source of leadership discussion and observation. Quantifiable results are laid bare for all to see.
Sports scenarios offer all types of leader expose, all flavours of leader: crisis/interim leader (Hodgson), the ‘bold’ experiment leader (The Special One – Mourinho), the ‘unheard of’ leader (Wenger), the tried and tested leader (numerous), the transformational leader, the leading in mediocrity or restricted resource leader, the growth leader, the in-house appointment… One leader I am curious about is Markus Krosche.
Markus Krosche’s (Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sporting Director) interviews have my attention and his body of work has a number of high profile suitors.
Our big advantage is that we know what kind of football we want to play so we know what we are looking for.
Know what type of charity, school or business you are looking for.
The power of translating his German interviews highlights his efforts to build culture. Teams are built on trust, resilience, and shared ambition and this is balanced with an emphasis on courage and conviction. The “environment” motivates players to push themselves.
He is methodical. His focus is on sustainable development, lowering the average player age and ensuring that players fit the club’s philosophy. He regularly stresses the need for “continuous improvement.” Patience in professional sport is a rarity.
If you define how you want to play, then you can hire the people to make it happen, implement that philosophy and then stick to it.
Krosche is clear. Define the aim. Staff accordingly. Knowing what type of charity, school or business you are aiming to be, hire the right staff.
More than a few hours investment in my leadership thinking.