The Little Black Book for Managers: How to Maximize Your Key Management Moments of Power

11

Your Successes and Failures

11.1 Build confidence by reacting to team wins and team losses appropriately

Every team has its successes and the occasional failure. How do you react to a team success and how do you react to a team failure?

Imagine that you manage a football (soccer) team. Consider and contrast your imaginary post-match debrief with the players after winning 5-0 and after losing 0-5.

I suggest that after losing 0-5, you say little and take them down to the local bar or restaurant, to wash their memories of the disappointment with alcohol. “Forget it” is your message – say nothing to weaken their confidence even further, it will have taken a knock. Don't keep playing the tape over and over on a sequence of poor play. Don't unintentionally ...