What HR can learn from Euro 2016: The personalities that make teams tick

The Euro 2016 trophy may be sitting resplendent in Portugal’s trophy cabinet, but the lessons to be learnt from the tournament that gripped a continent are still very much fresh.

A memorable tournament filled with upsets, late goals and drama on and off the field. It also brought to light one common theme: teamwork and leadership.

Daniel Fellows, Marketing Director at global wellness company Lifeworks, believes the Euros highlighted the effectiveness of good management.

“Teams such as Iceland and Wales were not littered with stellar names, yet their players would make up many people’s team of the tournament. Managers such as Coleman and Conte were also able to galvanise their players and staff in a way few thought possible,” he said to HR Grapevine.

“Put simply, Euro 2016 has underlined that success is not just about ability, but how it is managed. Creating successful teams takes time, engagement, and a long-term vision that both the leader and team shares and upholds.”

So what can employers learn from the leadership and management that has been so evident in France for the last few weeks? And what personalities are needed to make office teams work for long-term success?

Lifeworks have assessed some of the Euro 2016 players to see how their on-pitch personality reflects the makeup of office teams across the country:

Goalkeeper: Buffon, Italy

The boss. This person is a dependable and consistent performer. A good organiser, communicator and manager he is the person in the team all around look to for guidance and direction.

Defender: Hector, Germany

New, dynamic and willing to learn to be the best. Will make the occasional mistake and have a lapse of concentration but he will be the future of the team.

Defender: Ramos, Spain

Strong and intimidating, this is the person you know is happy to get into a bit of a scrap. They’ll go toe-to-toe with anybody to protect the best interests of the businesses.

Defender: Chiellini, Italy

Grizzled old hand that does the dirty work and loves it. Keeps his team on track and will jump in at a time of crisis even if it means taking a hit elsewhere.

Defender: Ragnar Sigurdsson, Iceland

Every business needs somebody like this. Somebody that would do anything and give 100%, no matter the job.

Midfield: Sanches, Portugal

The up and coming youngster destined for great things. He’s come into the business and been a hit from the start. A boss of the future and one to keep hold of and develop.

Midfield: Ramsey, Wales

In any team you need somebody prepared to get their head down and get on with the job in hand. No complaints, no fuss, just efficient delivery time and time again. The workplace engine room.

Midfield: Payet, France

The new team member brought in to help add some guile on a project when the pressure has been on. Likely to be retained and have a flourishing career.

Midfield: Kroos, Germany

A classy operator, this person is a key organiser and communicator. Knows what to do when and empowers his team mates around him to get the job done.

Striker: Griezmann, France

Always available, looking for work and always scores! The kind of person people seek out in the business when looking for some creative inspiration.

Striker: Quaresma, Portugal

He’s an old stager doing a good job offering a guiding hand when needed. He might look quiet at times but his experience is invaluable.