The Sports Psychology Blog
Today's Sports Psychology blog comes as the FAI gather to discuss Steve Staunton's future as the Republic Of Ireland manager.
Football: The FAI - In Service To Who?
Tonight the Football Association of Ireland gather to discuss the future of Steve Staunton. In his first managerial role, a promising team has seriously underperformed. The international arena is a dangerous place for a man to learn his trade, however willing and enthusiastic he may be.
But what of those who made this appointment. What of their futures? The Irish Independent has this to say, in consideration of the possibility of the committee resigning: ''Within the FAI's hierarchy, things don't work like that. Those who have worked for years to build up a political network don't take kindly to seeing it crumble. Any threat to usurp their power is instantly quelled''.
It is this attitude that needs to be brought into question. A person should serve on a football committee or board for one reason only; 'How can I best serve the cause?'. The cause being Ireland and the success of the national football team. Any personal benefit should be secondary. Absolutely not the motive for service.
When the desire to build a personal power base becomes a person's motive to serve, then appropriate decision-making becomes a problem. Because decisions are made from the standpoint of a flawed motive.
You only have to look at the challenges Sir Clive Woodward faced, both in advance of the 2003 World Cup and subsequently afterwards, to know the problems committees can pose to the evolution and development of a team. Self interest v. National interest.
Or the refusal of the English FA to appoint Brian Clough as national team manager when he was clearly the best man for the job. Troublemaker! Trouble for who though?
The FAI may sack Steve Staunton tonight. But what degree of self-examination will ensue amongst them, to discuss their own culpability in the selection process?
If they can't ask themselves the direct questions, then perhaps they, or someone who appraises their performance, should invite an Executive Coach into the boardroom to work with them. It may be facing. It may upset the status quo. It may take them out of their comfort zone. But unless the committee, any committee, commit to serving the greater good before the promotion of self-interest, then true progress, development and evolution will forever be held in check.
