"Motivation and Engagement of team and individuals around the doom and gloom"

The US financial crisis is an interesting case study in how we in Australia react and whether there is anything we can do here to arrest the supposed 'doom and gloom' that the press are keen to promote. Importantly, what can we do to maintain the momentum that seemed so easy not so long ago when motivation and engagement were taken for granted.

With the aid of some extensive research (the 2008 AFL Grand Final footy record) I can tell you that motivation and engagement of teams and individuals in times of 'doom and gloom' also applies to the corporate world. Commenting on his team's disappointment in losing the 1993 grand final and poor finals series in 1994, Carlton coach David Parkin decided on a different approach in 1995. With the involvement of the club psychologist, he emphasised the importance of allowing players to take ownership of their season. He let them set standards, both on and off the field, establishing disciplines for those who did not live up to those standards. He said they helped run training, debriefed each other after games and helped decide who was going to play. Parkin said in a way, this formed the first of what is now known in the AFL as the leadership group.

Parkin said this resulted in a team, driven by player empowerment, which was totally and utterly committed, talented and experienced. And they won the flag in 1995.

So what lessons do we take from this? It is this: that in times of doom and gloom, never discount what a group of individuals can achieve if you allow them to become more accountable. Provide them with the tools necessary to achieve organisational goals and give them flexibility to make their own decisions as to how they can motivate others. And not only will your team thrive, but so will your company.