10 Business Lessons from the 2014 AFL Season

Dale M.

Managing Director at Ace Communications Group

10 Business Lessons from the 2014 AFL Season

As Mark Cuban (American Billionaire and owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team) would say "Business is the ultimate sport". 

With that in mind, what are 10 business lessons we can learn from the current AFL season?

The strength of your team is greater than one individual
Despite Hawthorn losing arguably their greatest player to the Sydney Swans in the off-season, they have proven that a strong team can absorb the loss of one individual. Unfortunately sometimes a business will lose a key staff member but a strong team can still work together to achieve equal or greater results.

Strong leadership yields results
A common denominator of successful teams is strong leadership. Leadership in business is important at all levels and ultimately it comes from the top down. Don't ask your staff to do what you aren't prepared to do, if you want them to work an extra hour show them you work an extra two.

Take the time to recover from your injuries
More than ever AFL teams in 2014 are resting players and allowing injured players extra time to recover. Those in business tend to not stop when they suffer an injury, whether that injury be illness or they might simply need a break. Listen to your body and mind and take the time to recover from your injuries so you can perform at your maximum.

Preparation and Effort
Every year there are stories of those who got the most out of their talent and those who just cruised along and could have achieved more. Ultimately for most people their success is determined by their preparation and their effort. Don't be like an AFL footballer that looks back at a missed opportunity because what you are doing now might be your big opportunity. 

Know when your time is up
Multiple times a week articles are published about when is the right time to sell a business or to change jobs. Essendon player Jason Winderlich announced his retirement last week while still playing great football with many people wondering why he isn't giving it another year. The truth is only you really know deep down that it is time to move on and that you have given it everything you have.

Never give up
Sometimes in business you feel too far behind your competition and it might be easy to give up. Seven weeks ago Richmond were sitting equal bottom of the ladder on points, seven weeks on they have won seven in a row and are only sitting outside of the top 8 on percentage with a real chance to make the finals. Whether they make the finals or not is yet to be seen but they never gave up.

You need quiet achievers
Not everyone can be a superstar. Sure in business most people would like to be the star performer but the stars need the quiet achievers. A leading sales person is only as good as their support staff who are delivering the product. Recognise and reward your quiet achievers because without them your stars won't shine as bright.

You can't play the game without your support team
Every AFL team has a substantial number of official support staff let alone the unofficial support team of family and friends. You can't play the game of business without your support team whether they be part of your business team or family and friends. Surround yourself with strong people who share your belief and passion.

Celebrate your wins
In business we're so busy that we tend to have a 'win' and simply get straight on to the next thing. It might only be for a short period of time but after every win an AFL team celebrates as a team. Make sure you are celebrating your wins both personally and as a team, whether it be a dinner or simply taking a few minutes out to recognise what you have achieved.

During game time you need laser like focus
Essendon has had another year of outside distractions but despite all this the team has achieved some fantastic results on-field and are on track to make the finals. During your 'game time' you need laser like focus to achieve top results, do what you need to do to shut out distractions and aim to be mentally strong and focussed daily.