January 2025

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• January 31, 2025

Formula for Success

Is there a Formula for Success?

Bear with me; I’ve delved into my inner math nerd….

As I researched to find a formula that best represents the requirements for success, I soon realised that success signifies different things to different people. It is complex and multi-faceted, significantly influenced by cultural and individual factors.

Despite the above, drawing inspiration from a sporting background that is also relatable to the business world has led me to the following:

(Talent + Hard Work) * Mindset

Let us begin with talent. Each of us possesses different skill levels across various areas. We excel in the activities we enjoy and naturally gravitate towards those where our abilities are more substantial. Your current professional role should focus on your skills or talents at the higher end of the spectrum. If it doesn’t, you may be in the wrong job!

Plus Hard Work: That’s a given, and there’s no shortcut to success.

Multiplied by Mindset. Of all the high achievers I’ve played with at the highest level of professional football or encountered in business, their mindset dictates their success. I’ve seen players of similar talent work equally hard. Yet, one goes on to play for their country, and the other delivers the post by the time he’s 25: similar players, same application, same opportunities, yet very different mindset.

Your mindset and attitude are the key factors. They significantly influence your progress on the path to success. You may possess talent and work diligently, but you could be expending effort in the wrong areas. A negative mindset hinders your ability to listen to, learn from, and engage with your environment.

Staying curious, learning, and growing are all part of a mindset built for success.

Granted, a simplified formula only begins to paint the picture of our success, but it shows where you will get the biggest bang for your buck—your Mindset!

#MaximiseYourPotential #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Mindset

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• January 29, 2025

Bouncebackability

Bouncebackability – Yes, it’s a Word!

Professional sports taught me the importance of resilience. Just think about the number of setbacks a professional footballer experiences during a game, a week, or a month when they lose games, concede goals, and generally make mistakes. I’ve been relegated twice in my career but have always returned stronger.

The three greatest tennis players of a generation, Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal, all won around 54% of their points throughout their careers—meaning they lost 46%!

So why did they win so much? They understand that success is about overcoming challenges and thriving in the face of adversity.

In today’s fast-paced business world, the ability to bounce back from setbacks is more crucial than ever.  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Embrace Change: Change is inevitable. Instead of resisting it, embrace it! Adaptability is a cornerstone of resilience.
2. Learn from Failures: Every setback is a lesson in disguise. Analyse what went wrong and how you can improve for next time. Growth comes from reflection!
3. Stay Positive: A positive mindset can transform challenges into opportunities. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you.
4. Set Goals: Focus on what you can control by setting realistic goals. Achieving small milestones can help rebuild your confidence.
5. Practice Self-Care: Physical and mental well-being are essential for resilience. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you. Be kind to yourself; we all make mistakes.

Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall but how many times you get back up!

#Resilience #PersonalGrowth #BounceBackAbility #Leadership #Mindset

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• January 27, 2025

Are geniuses made or born?

Are geniuses made or born?

Have you ever looked at someone at the very top of their game, whether in sport, music or business and thought that they were so naturally gifted that they must be some sort of genius?

Consider this: a Hungarian chess teacher, Laszlo Pulgar, challenged that theory with his own human experiment. He aimed to demonstrate that children could achieve exceptional outcomes if trained in a specific skill from a young age. He believed that geniuses are made, not born.

Laszlo had three daughters, all homeschooled, and he particularly emphasised chess. He believed that his daughters should compete against men and opposed the concept of them participating in female-only events.

1 – His first daughter, Susan, became the top-ranked woman in the world at the age of 15 and remained in the top three for the next 23 years! In addition to achieving American Grandmaster status, she was the first woman in history to qualify for a Men’s World Championship.

2 – His 2nd daughter, Sofia, beat several Grandmasters at 14 and won Olympic golds in 1990 and 1994.

3 – His youngest daughter, Judit, is credited with being the greatest female chess player ever. At the age of 15 years and 4 months, she earned the title of Grandmaster, the youngest player to do so. She is also the only woman to have won a game against a reigning men’s world #1 ranked player.

Three geniuses in the same family? Or does this show that remarkable achievements follow if you start very young, remain consistent, and train at doing the right things in the right environment for long enough?

I’m not advocating living and breathing one discipline. Still, Laszlo’s experiment was startling and serves as a testament to his methods and beliefs about talent development through systematic training and motivation.

I’m sorry if you wanted a miracle message. Instead, for us mere mortals, summon your inner Laszlo and revel in the proof that you don’t have to be a genius to achieve significant improvements. However, just like a Boomerang, it always comes back to you!

#MaximiseYourPotential #personalgrowth #growthmindset #careergoals #Boomerang

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• January 24, 2025

Psychological safety

The Key to Unlocking Team Innovation and Success

Psychological safety is the bedrock of high-performing teams. It’s the shared belief that team members can take interpersonal risks without fear of negative consequences. No question is too silly.

The old-style manager who ruled by fear and intimidation (I’ve had a few!) could never unlock a team’s full potential.

Here’s why Psychological Safety matters:

Encourages open communication: Team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and mistakes.

Fosters innovation: Creativity flourishes when people aren’t afraid to speak up.

Improves problem-solving: Diverse perspectives are heard, leading to better solutions.

Increases engagement: Employees who feel psychologically safe are more invested in their work.

Enhances learning: Mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for punishment.

Leaders, here are three ways to start building psychological safety in your teams:

• Model vulnerability: Share your own challenges and mistakes.
• Actively seek input: Regularly ask for feedback and ideas from all team members.
• Respond positively to risk-taking: Celebrate attempts, not just successes.

Have you experienced the benefits of psychological safety in your workplace? How do you cultivate it in your teams? Share your thoughts below!

#PsychologicalSafety #TeamCulture #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement”

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• January 22, 2025

We’ve all got Potential

We’ve all got Potential, but are you fulfilling yours?

The word ‘potential’ was often used when I was coming through the football ranks. This player or that player had great potential, but will it be fulfilled? Will they realise and make good use of their abilities?

As an individual, the more pertinent question is: What am I doing about identifying and nurturing my untapped potential?

For me, it’s about continuous learning and seeking challenges outside our comfort zone. As a footballer, I felt exposed or stretched to the next level at the right time. I also received continuous feedback in training, before, during, and after every match, as well as from the fans and media! Whether I liked it or not 😊

The better I performed, the higher the level I was exposed to, whether I made the first team, played for a better club, or played international football.

My performances were constantly evaluated, and the results of those performances were quickly felt—good and bad.

Although business is generally less brutal than football, the exact strategies remain true.

Keep learning (reading, listening to podcasts, diving into online courses, etc.), seek challenges outside your comfort zone, and actively seek feedback from your manager and peers.

Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way; be positive, proactive, and, most importantly, consistent in your efforts.

What strategies have worked best for you? What’s ONE thing you’re doing to unlock your hidden potential? Share your tips below!

#potential #personalgrowth #growthmindset #careergoals

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• January 20, 2025

Teamwork Thrives on Diversity

Have you got the right diverse personalities on your team?

Throughout my 19-year professional career, I have played alongside numerous players and teams, but the most effective teams were always the most diverse. Diversity does not solely refer to nationality but, more importantly, to the personalities within the team.

Having too many of the same personality types means that we miss the right balance. Different personality types bring unique strengths and perspectives. Understanding these types can significantly enhance team dynamics and collaboration. Here’s how I envision a high-performing football team:

1. Goalkeepers tend to be a mix of Planner/Strategist and Analyst/Evaluator. However, most are also a touch crazy!

2. Defenders usually consist of Planners/Strategists and Doers/Implementers. They organise the defensive line, anticipate opposing attacks, and communicate effectively. These physical enforcers also tackle, block shots, head, and clear the ball as they implement the defensive strategy.

3. Midfielders are often a blend of Communicator/Collaborator and Doer/Implementer. They link attack and defence, facilitating play, relaying instructions, and maintaining team cohesion. They run tirelessly, passing, intercepting, and creating scoring opportunities (hopefully!).

4. Forwards and strikers typically embody a mix of Innovator/Creative and Doer/Implementer. Forwards frequently require creativity and improvisation to find space, outmanoeuvre defenders, and score goals. They also usually take risks. Executing attacks, shooting, making runs, and challenging defenders are all action-oriented tasks.

5. The Captain often displays traits from multiple types, particularly Communicator/Collaborator and Planner/Strategist. They are the team’s voice, building morale, resolving conflicts, and promoting team unity. They frequently contribute to tactical decisions, collaborating with the coach to devise game plans and adapt strategies as necessary.

6. Others can include the “Quiet Leader”, the “Motivator”, or maybe a “Problem-solver”.

A team with too many strategists might lack decisive action, whereas a team comprised solely of doers might lack direction. The coach’s role is crucial in recognising and harnessing these varied personalities to create a cohesive and effective unit.

What’s your team look like?

#Teamwork #Diversity #Leadership