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• tonydorigo
• Blog
• April 4, 2025

Halftime Adjustments

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

In my years of football playing and broadcasting, I’ve witnessed countless matches where the outcome was determined not by the initial tactics but by critical halftime adjustments.

These pivotal moments separates successful teams from those who fall short of their potential.

The most successful managers I have observed exhibit a remarkable growth mindset. They read the game’s flow, analyse opposition tactics, and are not afraid to implement significant changes during the interval or even earlier. Jose Mourinho, at his peak, was a master of tactical substitutions.

This adaptability often proves decisive in turning potential defeats into victories.

I’ve seen teams dominate the first half but crumble in the second because they refused to adjust their approach.

This rigid thinking, characteristic of a fixed mindset, frequently leads to missed opportunities and preventable losses.

The inability to adapt becomes their greatest weakness.

This principle extends far beyond the football pitch. In the business world, companies face similar challenges.

Markets evolve rapidly, competition intensifies, and unexpected obstacles emerge. Those who succeed are the ones who consistently evaluate their performance and aren’t afraid to modify their strategy.

Just as football managers use the halftime break to reassess and reorganise, business leaders must create regular opportunities to evaluate their progress and make necessary adjustments.

This might mean changing market approach, restructuring teams, or even wholly pivoting their business model. See Netflix, YouTube, Slack, Instagram, et al….all hugely successful businesses that started very differently from their current guise.

They understand that while core values and long-term objectives remain constant, achieving them may require frequent adjustments.

This approach requires courage and humility – the courage to acknowledge when current strategies aren’t working and the humility to accept that initial plans might need modification.

It’s about creating a culture where adaptation is seen as a strength, not a sign of weakness.

What’s your approach to mid-course corrections? Are you regularly pausing to evaluate and adjust your strategy? Got any examples, good or bad?

#𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 #𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 #𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• April 2, 2025

Playing to Win

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐢𝐧: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The difference between success and mediocrity in football and business often lies in the mindset.

Those who play not to lose versus those who play to win—I’ve seen this play out in several fixtures at Elland Road this season!

Some teams adopt an overly cautious approach, focusing solely on defending and avoiding mistakes, while others embrace a proactive strategy aimed at seizing opportunities and achieving victory.

Teams playing not to lose typically demonstrate a fixed mindset. They retreat into their defensive third, rarely venture forward, and prioritize safety over opportunity.

This defensive approach mirrors many businesses that remain in their comfort zones, avoiding risks and innovation, ultimately limiting their potential for growth and success.

Conversely, teams that play to win exhibit a growth mindset that translates well into business strategy.

They maintain defensive stability while actively seeking scoring opportunities, much like successful businesses that balance risk management with innovation and expansion.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗻:

𝟭 – 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀: Understanding when and how to take strategic chances that could lead to significant rewards.

𝟮 – 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: Setting definitive goals and actively working towards achieving them.

𝟯 – 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Confidently adjusting strategies in response to changing circumstances.

𝟰 – 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁: Viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth and improvement.

The choice between playing to win or not to lose defines your potential for success.

Consider your approach:

Are you embracing calculated risks and pursuing growth, or are you letting fear of failure hold you back from achieving your true potential?

#𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐓𝐨𝐖𝐢𝐧 #𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 #𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 #𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• March 31, 2025

The GROW Model

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Having witnessed countless transformations in football, I’ve seen how using a structured approach, like the GROW Model, can revolutionise team performance, whether in the boardroom or on the pitch.

The GROW Model provides a systematic framework that enables leaders to unlock their team’s full potential through four essential stages:

𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴:
– Ensure all team members understand the vision
– Establish both short and long-term targets
– Define clear, measurable objectives

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
– Identify strengths and weaknesses
– Evaluate current performance levels
– Analyse available resources and constraints

𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
– Evaluate the potential outcomes of each option
– Generate multiple improvement strategies
– Consider innovative approaches

𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱:
– Assign responsibilities
– Set timelines and milestones
– Develop detailed action plans
– Establish accountability measures

Similar structured approaches have proven successful in top football academies, where they help develop young talents by providing clear direction and measurable progress markers. The same principles apply in business settings, where leaders can use this framework to drive team performance and achieve strategic objectives.

Remember, success in both sports and business comes from systematic development and consistent execution.

The GROW Model and similar frameworks aren’t just a framework; they’re a pathway to excellence that transforms potential into performance.

#𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 #𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 #𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• March 28, 2025

Adaptability

𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

Adaptability in football and business – it’s the difference between thriving and merely surviving….or getting relegated!

Southampton’s tactical approach has remained steadfast, from their promotion to the Premier League last season to their campaign this year. However, their current position at the bottom of the table—9 points from a possible 81—tells its own story.

Reinvention keeps organisations competitive in challenging environments.

Here are four strategies that define adaptable organisations:

𝟭. 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀
Innovation shouldn’t be limited to the boardroom. When every team member feels empowered to suggest improvements, organisations naturally resist market challenges.

𝟮. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀
Successful organisations constantly monitor their environment, identifying shifts before they become obvious. This proactive approach enables strategic adjustments before crisis points emerge.

𝟯. 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
Creating a learning culture ensures teams remain agile and ready for change.

𝟰. 𝗕𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁
The ability to change direction quickly when circumstances demand it is necessary. This might mean abandoning comfortable practices for unproven but promising alternatives.

While at Leeds United, I witnessed adaptability transform challenging situations into opportunities. When we faced tactical changes under Howard Wilkinson, our willingness to adapt our playing style led to significant success.

It’s interesting that certain modern managers stick to their ‘beliefs/tactics’ even when the results clearly show they are not working. A leader’s belief is a strength passed on to his team, but at what point does the need to adapt kick in?

What’s your experience with adaptability in your organisation? Have you seen it make a difference between success and failure?

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞: Netflix’s evolution from DVD rentals to streaming pioneer.
𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞: Blockbuster’s resistance to change, leading to their eventual downfall.

#𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 #𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 #𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• March 26, 2025

The Sustainability League

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲: 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲

Forest Green Rovers has revolutionized how football clubs approach sustainability, setting a remarkable example for sports enterprises and businesses worldwide. Ten years ago, they were the lone voice, but not anymore.

Their commitment to environmental stewardship demonstrates how sports organizations can lead positive change.

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
The world’s first carbon-neutral football club
Uses solar panels, electric car charging points, and an electric lawnmower
Has an organic pitch
Serves a vegan menu for players and fans

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲
Project Whitebeam is a sustainability initiative launched by Bristol City and its affiliated sports organizations under Bristol Sport.
The initiative is part of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, with ambitious targets such as:
Achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030

𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐫
Has a green strategy that includes recycling, single-use plastic, energy efficiency, and water use
Uses 100% renewable energy to power its stadium
Hosted the world’s first net zero football match in 2021

Purpose-driven leadership requires a clear vision and unwavering dedication to sustainable practices.

The future of business leadership lies in sustainable practices and social responsibility. Organizations that embrace this approach will not only contribute to environmental preservation but also inspire others to follow suit.

What sustainable initiatives have you implemented in your organization? How are you measuring their impact?

#𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 #𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 #𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• March 24, 2025

Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗴’𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲

In both sports and business, self-belief is the foundation that transforms underdogs into champions.

I come across so many people who limit their ability to grow and learn by having a fixed mindset, driven by a lack of confidence.

Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed how confidence can elevate performance beyond perceived limitations, such as Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League triumph or Buster Douglas’s beating of Mike Tyson.

Here’s why cultivating self-belief is decisive for success:

𝟭. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘀
Every achievement, no matter how minor, builds momentum. At successful football teams, you see players celebrating each successful tackle or save, creating a positive mindset that fuels more significant victories.

𝟮. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀
Setbacks aren’t failures; they’re stepping stones to improvement. Analyzing and adapting to these moments creates resilience and growth opportunities. As a professional sportsperson, you lose a lot, so you learn a lot!

𝟯. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
Mental rehearsal of positive outcomes strengthens confidence. Top athletes and business leaders regularly practice visualization to enhance performance. You always hear caddies talk to their golfer and say, “See the shot”.

𝟰. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸
Feedback from mentors and peers provides valuable insights for growth. It helps identify blind spots and accelerates development.

The journey from self-doubt to self-belief is continuous and made better by embracing these principles.

What’s your experience with overcoming self-limiting beliefs? Have you used any of these strategies in your professional journey?

Share your story below.

#𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 #𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 #𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 #𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬