Maintaining success in the sporting arena

Steve Lyston, Contributor

THE SPORTING sector in any nation is one of the most lucrative businesses and has the potential for even greater success.

It unites cultures, brings enemies face to face, and pulls together every other sector, including media, manufacturing, telecommunications, and even the political sector.

To most, it brings relaxation, enjoyment, and even entertainment to masses. To others, the losses in competitions bring disappointment because nobody wants to lose. The recently concluded World Cup Cricket series brought disappointment to many West Indian cricket enthusiasts. All in all, however, sporting is far-reaching and powerful.

The questions, however, are, after having success in sports over a period of time, how do we maintain the success of those involved? What do we do when continuous failure is taking place? Do we blame the players at all times, or do we look at the entire organisation to see what went wrong?

The West Indies Cricket Board is one such structure that all other sporting organisations should use as an example.

We must recognise that when an organisation that has always done well begins to slip in success, then there is a foundation problem. It means that something went wrong in the past that has cracked the foundation. It also means that there needs to be healing at every level before success can come.

With regard to sports, changing coaches, selection committees, and manager and players without dealing with the problem will only cause things to worsen.

For example, unfair treatment of individuals, unforgiveness, unholy covenants, unethical business practices, prejudice (bias) will crack the foundation of an organisation.

Every sporting organisation must recognise that motivation is the key to success. When a player is going through a rough season, how do we treat that player, do we 'throw him away' or do we offer counsel?

When decisions are being made by management, do they take the families of the players into consideration? Can we expect players to give 100 per cent when they are in fear of failure and removal? Do the managers and coaches possess the father-figure persona to motivate the players to the point of success, or are they only motivated by the money they can make off the players?

So it begs the question: What kind of leadership or approach is needed to recover and maintain the success of the teams within the sporting sector when they have hit a bad patch? Are we destroying or motivating the talent?

SOLUTIONS FOR SUCCESS

There must be clear guidelines for new members/staff to follow so that players will not be fearful that they may be the next one to go. It should not be based solely on performance.

All sports personnel must remember that lifestyle determines success or failure. (2 Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1; Hebrews 12:1)

Ensure that you tithe! Giving to foundations and other organisations and ignoring the act of tithing denies you of certain protection such as maintaining contracts and financial stability. (Malachi 3:8-12)

Players and staff must guard against pride. Ensure that you listen to your mentor. Follow the instructions of your security personnel. Before a press release of any kind, ensure that you seek permission before giving an interview or releasing any information.

Ensure that the team has a good chaplain who can pray and give sound spiritual guidance and counsel.

Remember, your talent and successes were given by God (Deuteronomy 8:18). Honour Him daily.

Have regular socials that include family members, and give accolades to the winners and tokens of appreciation to those who lose. The losers today may be the winners tomorrow.

Have a support team for injured personnel to help them get back on track.

Have a system in place that players will be given a platform to give suggestions that will enhance the organisation in general without fear of retaliation.

The time has come for all of us to 'rally around' the West Indies cricket team and all sports personnel in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

We may be deemed small, but 'we big abroad'!

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including End Time Finance and The New Millionaire.