Corporate lessons from FIFA world cup

When Brazil tripped over a brave Belgium at Kazan Arena, there was gloom and grief on the ground, and rhapsodies of glory in some corners. Vuvuzelas and trumpets suddenly fell silent even as the conqueror marched in bliss the length and breadth of the gigantic stadium that's soaked by the tears of the vanquished, Germany and Argentina being the other behemoths felled on the same.

One's dream run ends there; the other's begins.

Competition among companies is pretty akin to a hard-fought football match. The initial market response— like the exhilarating roar of the stadium— makes them run through the impediments and traps put up by the rival, and shoot at target from close but unexpected quarters. The regulator, like the referee, keeps a close watch to ensure fair play.

Brazil's hope and fighting spirit before they succumbed in Kazan, the graveyard of champions, is one big lesson. Trailing 2-0, Brazil was a resuscitated lot in the second half, thanks to a strategy switch to 4-4-2 formation. They pounded the Belgian defence with dribbles and short passes, and came right to their penalty with might, but mostly leaving feeble ricochets. They did pull one back finally, towards the fag end of the allotted time. Exhausted, Belgium struggled to carry the ball into the Brazil half on the counter but held on to a shaky 2-1 margin till the end. At the final whistle, that's all what matters.

It doesn't take too long for the mighty to turn the most vulnerable. Another lesson for corporates!

There is ecstasy, disquiet, tears and ever-mounting tension in every team as time ticks away. Fortunes may swing. A banana kick by Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo or Germany's Toni Kroos in the dying moments may bring their teams back to the game. Like how some CEOs step in to save the panic-stricken organisation and literally play a captain's knock. Some others, like Thomas Muller of Germany, may end up a downer.

A week ago, in pre-quarter, Japan succumbed to Belgium a breath away from the final whistle, but after outplaying Belgium with better tactics and an organised attack only a samurai can do. The disparity may be apparent in terms of size and experience, but the bushido — way of the warrior — gave hope, inspiration and a night to remember, to the whole of Asia suggesting that it is not impossible to win. Companies from developing countries are already taking on their counterparts from the developed world with similar elan.

Rarely though, some market rivalries, like Japan-Belgium, produce two winners.

There are several strategies at work in Russia, just like in business. Always attacking or only focusing on counter attacks, giving the rival an impression of going slow and suddenly gaining pace and beating the defence or creating a Chinese wall of defence in the penalty area with what is popularly known as 'bus parking' strategy (keeping all your resources to seal the goal mouth).

Some companies — like Germany and Argentina — come with a heavy load of expectations, and wither away in the face of tough competition. Despite being the giants in the field, they could be thrashed by the minnows, who come armed with strategies and surprises. The brilliance of individual play may be overshadowed by the swift and synchronised teamwork of the other.

Everyone wants a win. For in the end, that is what matters.

The writer is editor, DNA Money.
He tweets @AntoJoseph