We are enjoying every moment of the World Cup in Qatar. Alongside the excitement of this year’s competition comes a huge amount of nostalgia for World Cup moments whilst growing up - that Michael Owen goal against Argentina, Zidane being unbelievably good then even more unbelievably naughty. 

What always seems to come to mind is the build up to the 1998 final and the confusion over whether Ronaldo was or wasn’t starting for Brazil. I recently watched the documentary ‘El Fenomeno’ which explored this in some detail, looking at Ronaldo’s superstar status, his seizures in the hours before that final and the career threatening knee injuries he suffered in the following couple of years.

The documentary is a fantastic watch and for founders and business leaders can provide a valuable demonstration of resilience. The compounding impact of disaster after disaster for Ronaldo could have seen him disappear from the sporting landscape. What happened was very different.

1) Set Goals

Ronaldo needed a goal that was going to provide the motivation required to succeed in his rehabilitation. He chose the 2002 World Cup and the dream of helping his country to a fifth title. Setting goals in business creates a clear path for your business and objectives around which your whole team can unite.

2) Build Leadership Resilience

Ronaldo had to take personal responsibility for meeting his goals. The personal resilience needed to achieve them after significant setbacks is an important attribute that leaders can develop to help increase their impact in terms of inspiration and transformation.

3) Build Support

Whilst personal drive was crucial for Ronaldo, he certainly did not return to fitness on his own. He built a support structure around himself all aligned to achieving his goal. Support from the Brazilian FA, his club, doctors, physios, fellow players and his family all helped get him back playing. Building teams, partnerships and networks to meet challenges and achieve goals is vital to achieve success.

Ronaldo played in all seven of Brazil’s matches at the 2002 World Cup. He scored eight goals, including two in the final, winning team and personal glory in lifting the trophy and being awarded the golden boot. The scars down the centre of each knee the only visible reminder of quite what he had been through to achieve that moment. A phenomenally resilient man.

At Colab-8 we work with business leaders to develop resilience to achieve the goals that they set.