Are you a FIFA Referee?

We were getting Football or Soccer ready at home over the weekend. This got me thinking of the various pieces and people involved in the game and the one that stood out for me, was the referee.

Can you imagine how it feels to have every decision made by you is scrutinized by millions? Emotions are already running high, add to that the need to dodge flying water bottles, while interpreting rules that everyone would like to have a their view about. All for the ultimate goal of global glory. This my dear friends, is the world of FIFA referees in a nutshell.

A FIFA referee ready to manage the game, demonstrating leadership under pressure

Now you might ask, why am I talking about FIFA on LinkedIn? It is because their workday provides us useful lessons in leadership or management. So how about we kick off and feel the drama, pressure, and excitement of a FIFA match.

The first thing that strikes me about these FIFA referees is how they manage to keep their cool when the crowds get loud. The crowds might be roaring, players arguing, cameras are zooming in on their every move. Can you imagine what would happen if the referee was not clear and confident, not losing his composure and yet arrive at a decision?

In management too, the pressure is constant. Be it a tight deadline or, a shouting match between team members. The only way for a leader to become someone who can be relied on doing what is best is of course simply staying calm. Like the referee does, just focus on facts, not emotions.

Do you know that FIFA referees are running, talking encyclopedias of the game’s rules. But what happens if the game does not go by the book? They have to adapt and interpret rules on the fly. A balancing act of being fair while going with the flow of the game.

While a managers should know and understand company policies or industry standards, they need to be as flexible as a gymnast when necessary. If a leader knows when to bend the rules for the greater good, then they will not kill creativity and morale.

I am positive we have seen how at times the referee might let a minor foul slide to keep the game exciting.

During a match we have our ears tuned to the referees whistles and clear verbal decisions, while our eyes look out for hand signals. They cannot afford to be ambiguous as both players and coaches have to feel a level of trust, which comes from knowing what is happening.

In my years in the corporate world, I have seen and experienced how effective managers are, when they communicate without any ambiguity and with consistency.

I am sure you agree that one of the many things that keeps us glued to our seats is that FIFA matches come with their share of fouls, disputes, and even outright arguments. And the one person who needs to manage it head-on is the referees. Mind you they have to still show their authority while being fair.

I have experienced in my career , leaders who are "pro" at managing conflict. They never once avoided admitting conflict( if it did raise it's head), but gained respect of the team by listening and focusing on the issue at hand.

You will agree that even the best referees get booed. Yet they are respected because of their fairness and consistency. No favoritism. Rules are the same. Id does not matter if you are Messi, Ronaldo, Thierry or any other player.

I am of the firm belief that if you want to be a great leader, you need to treat everyone fairly. One cannot demand respect, but rather one needs to earn it and that is exactly what the referee does !

In today's world of technology, FIFA too has moved to VAR (Video Assistant Referee). While this is a tool that is available to the referee and help make better calls, we also need to remember that they do not use it as a crutch. They still make the final decision.

In the world that is moving more towards the use of technology in all that we do, let us not forget that human judgment and experience cannot be replaced by technology. Use technology to support a decision, but don't ignore your gut feeling and remain grounded!

A referees behavior sets the tone for players and fans and so, they have to be professional during and outside the game. In a similar manner,

leaders create and influence the culture of the organisation by their actions. If you want your team to show integrity, punctuality, and respect lead from the front!

Another important part of a referees day involves preparing for the match by studying teams, players, and past games. A good manager too needs to prepare reducing surprises and building confidence.

Let us not forget that a FIFA referees often become the butt of jokes. The only and best way to handle criticism and diffuse tension is with a dash of humor. After all it makes us human, eases stress, and builds rapport. But please keep it light and avoid sarcasm or jokes at others’ expense. Else you might end up creating, instead of removing tension!!

So, as you get ready to watch a FIFA match, remember that behind every whistle is a person working under immense pressure, making tough decisions by managing conflict, staying fair and communicating clearly, although that might not make him popular. And remember if at work that occasional criticism comes your way, all you need to do is just smile, blow the whistle, and keep the game moving forward.