There are many examples of how this self-fulfilling prophecy has helped sports stars, politicians and professionals reach the top of their game. In many interviews of successful people they have often had clear goals and objectives about how they see their future and what they will have achieved. As managers if we expect the most of people and provide them with confidence they are more likely to deliver and meet the expectations. The Icelandic football team have shown how a self-fulfilling prophecy can deliver amazing things and if I the odds and expectations of others. This year’s European football Championships in France will be remembered for the “Viking thunder-clap” that was exported by the Icelandic nation. It is somewhat hypnotic watching the perfect timing of the Viking thunder-clap and how a small number of supporters can make themselves heard throughout the stadium. There is clearly a special bond between the fans and the players that has led to believe and the confidence to attack with purpose. There is a saying in Icelandic that means “‘everything will be OK” or “it will work out”. There is no real class system in the country so Icelanders learn to look after themselves. The manager has concentrated on “discipline, focus, hard work” and created a football team that is inferior as a collection of individuals the superior as a team. The head of the national Football Association Geir Thorsteinsson has said that:
“We always believe we can perform at the highest level, whether it’s sport or music. It’s something in our mentality”.
Dare To Dream
(By: John Turnipseed, Director of People Services at Southwest Airlines)
Some people only look at life through eyes that seldom gleam
while others look beyond today as they’re guided by a dream
And the dreamers can’t be sidetracked by dissenters who may laugh
for only they alone can know how special is their path
But dreams aren’t captured easily;
there’s much work before you’re through
but the time and efforts are all worthwhile
when the impossible comes true
And dreams have strength in numbers
for when a common goal is shared
the once impossible comes true because of all who cared
And once it’s seen as reality a dream has just begun
for magically from dreams come dreams
And a walk becomes a run
But with growth of course comes obstacles
and with obstacles come fear
but the dream that is worth dreaming
finds its way to the dear
And the dream continues growing
Reaching heights before unseen
And it’s all because of the courage of the dreamers
and their dream.
Adrian Wright
Wahoo Recruitment
UK & international Executive Search
adrian.wright@wahoo-recruitment.com