Preparation and World Cup excuses

In the midst of the post match despair last night, I heard arguments about Capello's decision to inform his squad who was in the team, only two hours before the kick off. Within a context of business; the performing arts and the emergency services, there are situations where important decisions or actions are taken at less than 2 hours notice. A crisis might occur where a snap decision is needed; a tragic accident where firemen and hospitals have to implement life threatening actions and treatment; someone might be sick and an understudy given 10 minutes warning to perform in front of 2,000 people.

In all cases, the people involved are highly skillful; highly trained and very well prepared. In certain cases, they have mentally prepared themselves for such a crisis for years and the knowledge they have acquired during their career enables them to step in. They will also have prepared strategies for delivering emergency care or crisis management within their team.

The England Football squad are highly trained, skillful players and within their preparation, they will have had sufficient support to develop their mental preparation; including strategies for 'getting into the zone' within two hours of a match. To use this as an excuse is, possibly, a red herring.

We all know that the success of our performance - and of course I focus on communication skills - is dependent upon the quality of our preparation.

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World Cup Footballer Communication Watch: Our leader SG is speaking slightly clearer, although I don't know whether I have just managed to tune in to his thick dialect. He has clearly had some media skills, although more work is still required.
WR used his media skills work well yesterday, when he ranted after the game. Although the BBC wisely used subtitles, he spoke slowly and used a small phrase.
Capello is now asking for a translator: possibly wise given the anger of the media.