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• tonydorigo
• Blog
• February 19, 2025

Emotional Control in Leadership

The Importance of Emotional Control in Leadership

On Monday night, Leeds United scored a 95th-minute winner at Elland Road in one of the season’s biggest games to return to the top of the championship. Cue pandemonium in the stands, on the gantry (another squealing co-comm moment added to my showreel!) and on the touchline. A sporting moment to saviour.

It was wonderful to witness the display of emotion, and those feelings are undoubtedly amplified in sports. This got me thinking: How does emotion fit into leadership?

Emotional control is a crucial component of effective leadership. It involves the capacity to manage one’s emotions, especially in difficult situations. Leaders who demonstrate emotional control can maintain effectiveness even in stressful or adverse circumstances.

Daniel Farke, the manager of Leeds United, demonstrates excellent emotional control amidst the highs and lows of professional football. Whether he wins, loses, or draws, he can be relied upon to provide a balanced and positive example for his team.

A fundamental principle is that when you react, you allow others to control you; when you respond, you keep control.

Leaders must develop the ability to regulate emotions to build a strong workplace climate and motivate employees. 

These skills can be learned and developed; leaders should focus on:

• Developing self-awareness
• Practicing emotional regulation
• Understanding the impact of their emotional displays on others
• Maintaining effectiveness under stressful conditions

You may wonder why I’ve displayed Daniel Farke’s picture lying flat on the turf at Elland Road. It’s because I believe it’s vital for leaders to reveal their human side, where moments of success are celebrated with their team and the bonds between everyone grow stronger. Daniel was accidentally knocked to the ground by one of his players and subsequently booked by the referee! And don’t get me started on that particular decision!!

#Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Teamwork

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• February 12, 2025

The Life of A Football Fan

Special People – the Football Fan

I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation among four football fans while taking a train to last night’s Watford v Leeds United match. I was going to point out that they are a unique breed, but each club has tens of thousands of loyal supporters who would travel to the ends of the earth to support their club.

My train group consisted of two Norwegians, an Englishman living abroad, and another supporter from London. The Norwegians, who were both Leeds United supporters, were asked how often they see their beloved Whites. Both replied that they only managed to get across 16 or 17 times in a season!!

The next question arose: how did they both manage to evade the consequences? What did their partners think about it? One of the Norwegians remarked, “Ah, that’s easy. I brought my partner along, and now she understands!” Excellent, we’ve recruited another fan!

The other Norwegian replied, “I always say the trip is special because it’s Gunnar’s, Henrik’s, Anders’s, or whoever’s birthday. When she gets cross, I remind her that it’s their 50^th, and we want to celebrate by watching Leeds United. Gunnar’s been 50 for about the last ten years now!”

The Englishman living abroad responded, “It’s difficult because I have to fly in from Europe. I have meetings all over the place, but it’s just luck that every time I have a meeting in the UK, there happens to be a Leeds United game on!” Now that’s an efficient PA with a Leeds United fixture list close at hand.

Football fan loyalty transcends wins and losses; it is rooted in a profound emotional bond with the club and a shared identity with fellow supporters. For many, being a fan is not merely about the game—it’s about belonging to a community, a family, where the connection to the team and its history becomes an integral part of who they are. The four travellers on my train were united as one.

So, to all of you who are loyal to your team, I salute you—you make the game very special for everyone involved. Thank you.

#Fandom #Community #FootballFan #FootballFamily

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• February 7, 2025

Role of a Co-commentator

What’s this commentating all about?

I am working for TNT Sport on their Serie A coverage of Como versus Juventus this evening. Over the past few decades, I have been fortunate enough to work on Serie A for various television networks, and I have always enjoyed covering the league.

As a co-commentator, I provide expert analysis during the game and collaborate closely with the main commentator to add value and knowledge to the pictures you see on the screen (Hopefully!)

Preparation is key, so commentators spend considerable time ensuring they have every angle covered for the game. As a co-commentator, my work before the game isn’t as extensive, but I still follow my routine to feel well-prepared.

I’ve attached my prep sheet for tonight’s game. Years ago, I adopted the format from the excellent @JimProudfoot, who works for Talksport and other media organisations. When we worked together, prior to one particular game at West Ham, I somehow managed to spill his coffee all over his notes, but that’s another story! The look on his face…..!

I spoke to Osian Roberts, the Technical Director at Como FC, to gain some background on the club for tonight’s match. He kindly shared valuable insights into the developing story of a “David v Goliath” scenario in Serie A. Hopefully, this will enhance the coverage and add flavour to their game against the Turin giants.

From Bankruptcy in 2016/17, Como FC started the 17/18 season in Serie D yet managed to gain promotion last season to play the big boys in Serie A, and tonight it’s Juventus!

With Cesc Fabregas as manager, Indonesia’s wealthiest family as owners, and a stadium with a backdrop to die for, Como FC is well-placed to continue its rapid rise within Italian Football.

Thank you, Osian, and good luck to your boys tonight.

#Commentating #Communcication #SerieA #TNTSports

• tonydorigo
• Blog
• February 5, 2025

The Enigma of Marcelo Bielsa

What is Marcelo Bielsa’s Management Style?

Throughout Marcelo’s reign at Elland Road, I never truly spoke with him, even though that was part of my role as a member of the LUTV team! However, being around the club gave me a fascinating insight into the workings of the enigmatic Marcelo Bielsa.

Undoubtedly, “El Loco” utilises unconventional methods aligned with his intense passion. He almost always leaves a unique legacy at the clubs and countries he has managed. So, what is his management style?

I believe he is primarily a transformational leader. He can inspire and motivate players to surpass their expectations—consider Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas, and others.

The tactical innovations and emphasis on player development challenge team members and get them to think and adapt. He is unwaveringly committed to his philosophy, which gives players a clear tactical identity.

Despite his rigorous methods (Murderball), Bielsa strongly emphasises player technical and tactical development. He is renowned for enhancing players’ understanding of the game and their roles within his system.

Bielsa’s unwavering commitment to his principles and integrity in approaching the game make him a role model for players and other coaches. His influence extends beyond his immediate team, inspiring a generation of managers, including Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino.

He has secondary elements of Autocratic, Democratic and even Holistic leadership. He is obsessive about his preparation (Spygate!), but his effect is not just on the team but on changing a club’s culture.

We can debate the longevity of these methods year after year with the same players. However, Marcelo Bielsa’s management style is highly effective and profoundly influential in world football. He has inspired a generation of coaches and players, cementing his status as one of modern football’s most respected and innovative managers.

Many lessons from Marcelo Bielsa’s management style are transferrable to the business world.

So, what’s your key takeaway?

#Leadership #Teamwork #TransformationalLeadership

• 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