Everyone who pops in to The Old Forge and complains about football references is going to like this .... not a lot!
Brendan Rodgers
has transformed Liverpool from a side that trailed home in seventh last season
into title challengers in just 12 months.
The Reds finished 28 points behind champions
Manchester United in 2012/13 but after totally dominating and out-playng their closest
rivals 3-0 last Sunday, Rodgers’ men are now a massive 14 points in front of
United and currently sit in second place in the table and in a great position
to win their first league title for 24 years.
So, how’s he
done that and what might those of us in Christian leadership learn from him?
1. Recognise culture change reaches every part of
the organization. Football clubs
are more than the team who play on Saturday. BR drew on the rich heritage of
LFC’s past traditions and breathed new life into them, but with a contemporary
edge. Rodgers has transformed Liverpool by preaching a passing style of play to
his players, but this is a return to ‘forgotten ways’ aka the Shankly way. His
leadership has touched everyone involved, whatever role they have. He likes
people!
2. Get the right people on the bus. For example, adding Daniel Sturridge to his
squad was a masterstroke as the England striker has been in prolific
goalscoring form since arriving at Anfield and has become one half of the
deadliest striking partnership in the Premier League alongside Luis Suarez.
3. Innovate. Build on the good, as a bridge to
becoming great. Brendan Rogers
knew Liverpool were good, but realised we needed to become great again. Signing Philippe Coutinho was
another important addition by Rodgers, with the little Brazilian giving the
team new creativity. All teams need to develop, change, innovate.
4. Good teams are built on trust. Rodgers handled the delicate situation of last
summer’s transfer saga involving Suarez superbly and he is now reaping the
benefits, with the Uruguayan in unstoppable form this season.
5. Develop individuals. People thrive as individuals when there’s good
leadership, great teamwork and they feel they can contribute in a way which
makes a difference. Brendan Rogers has improved a number of players like Jordan
Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan.
6. Don’t assume the great things already in place
are all there is. Switching
Steven Gerrard to a deeper role in midfield has been an instrumental move by
Rodgers – allowing the Liverpool captain to dictate games in a new role with
his range of passing.
7. Don't be frightened to change what needs to be
changed. The manager
also got rid of players like Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing who didn’t suit
his style of play.
8. Cultivate atmosphere. Rodgers has made Anfield a fortress once again,
with only one defeat and a draw spoiling a perfect home record this season.
9. Teams learn more from what they see than what
they hear. BR has his
players working for each other and they all look like they are enjoying his
leadership.
10. Keep your
eye on the big picture. Rodgers
has the supporters enjoying some of the best football seen at Anfield for many
years and has them believing that Liverpool are back where they belong at the
top of the league.
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