A model that shows how an organization should operate to achieve its aims — A favourite of management consultants, the Target Operating Model or TOM seems like an esoteric model — except that it’s not, and neither does it need to be. This post tries to explain it in simple terms. A Target Operating Model (TOM) is typically used when an organization undergoes a…

Revised and expanded — Superlative Football salutes the finest exponents of football by featuring players, managers, teams and ideals that encapsulate the brilliance, beauty and wonder of the world’s most popular game. Based on this Total Football publication, the book contains revised versions of the most popular articles, repurposed into a book format. Featuring 10 mini-essays, it is great for reference or as a gift for anyone who loves football. From purists to general enthusiasts, the book will contain something for everyone.

Who will wear it best? — Kit reveals are an important ritual for a new season. Here’s my rating of the home and away jerseys of all 20 Premier League teams. Arsenal The home jersey pays homage to the Invincibles. The gold Adidas stripes and red trims accentuate the clean design. Black lightning bolts add texture, although…

Skills to make your own luck — Years ago, a friend introduced me to Fantasy Premier League. I’ve been hooked ever since. The competition has since doubled its managers, who last season, numbered over 11 million! While there is no formula for success in Fantasy League, here are my tips, based on the lessons I’ve learnt, that…

A civilizational level paradigm shift — Google requires no introduction. Product, company and brand. We know intimately. For the present generation it’s hard to imagine life without it. For the slightly older generation, it’s equally hard to imagine how we got by without it! …

Brilliant Oranje — This month marks 35 years since the Netherlands won the European Championship. The title was sealed by van Basten’s immortal volley. Widely considered the best side to never win the World Cup, Euro 88 remains the only major international trophy the Dutch have won to date, so far. Nevertheless, the…

Distilling the essence — Leadership. It’s the most written about topic in the world. The (overwhelming) literature covers every conceivable angle: models, frameworks, styles, attributes, behaviours and best practices. This is not including the huge range of books written on world “leaders”, so people can learn directly from experiences rather than theory. …

Philosopher, strategist, genius. — The UCL Final 2023 was special. It made Manchester City just the second new team to win the Champions League this century. More importantly, it marked the coronation of Guardiola as the greatest manager of the modern era. This had been evident for a while. …

A product of the system, or the system himself? — As Messi’s time at PSG comes to an underwhelming end, a facetious question is making the rounds: is Messi overhyped? Is he a “fraud”? The short answer is No. The long answer, is well, a bit longer. Crescendo Messi appeared on the senior FC Barcelona scene in 2005. Everyone knew immediately…