Inspiring Teams
On February 21, 2023, my son, Oscar, and I saw Liverpool F.C. at Anfield, fulfilling my childhood dream.
- I have been a Liverpool fan since I was eight years old.
- Back then, like today, Liverpool was winning trophies, building superstars and lifting up the community.
Experiencing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at the beginning of the Champions League Game is one the most special events in my life.
- When 50,000 people sang the Liverpool anthem I cried.
- Every time I heard it before I was moved and inspired.
- Since then, I look forward to the ritual every time I see Liverpool play.
Last Sunday, Liverpool clinched the Premier League Title at Anfield. Within seconds I felt like I was there… It was special.
Lessons I learned from Liverpool F.C.
For as long I can remember, I have been inspired by elite performance at any level – especially by teams.
Here are some of the lessons I learned from Liverpool that I build into the teams that I lead and coach:
Teams that play for the greater purpose and community will never walk alone!
Academy is the future. Liverpool gives its academy kids an opportunity to express themselves in all kinds of games, including the big ones – and they win 🏆.
Nobody is above the team. The hand off between former Coach Jürgen Klop to current Coach Arne Slot, and the respect between the managers is special.
The bottom line: Responsible Leadership ensures longevity.
- Sometimes the decisions are not what fans want.
- With responsible leadership, teams find a way to win without spending crazy $$$.
- That makes success sweeter and sets up the succession more effectively.
Inspire Your Team…
It is the storytelling that inspires people to act.
- As a leader, you have a responsibility to create and advance the narrative of your team.
- Link the narrative of your favorite teams to yours.
What teams inspire you? What are their rituals?
What’s next: Share the rituals with your team.
- Share the context of the ritual.
- Create a narrative that connects your team with the reality of your team.
Learn more about Saša
Immigrant, Husband, Father, Brother, Leader, Legacy Coach, Author, Speaker, Founder, Systems Optimizer, JA Volunteer, Student of Elite Teams and Performance, All Blacks & Liverpool FC Fan, Fueled by Starbucks, CrossFit Open athlete, Experience Business Ambassador, Ameriprise Hall of Fame and Chairman’s Advisor Council Member.
Meet the Inspire Network Team
Every one of our coaches runs their own team. They bring real-world leadership to help you elevate your own.