We can learn a thing or two from World Cup Referees as they tackle the 2010 matches in South Africa over the next few weeks. By observing the hurdles they face and the skills they draw upon to succeed, we may better understand what makes people successful at work. And if you need another excuse to get up at 4.30am to watch your favourite team play here it is!

Let’s have a look at some qualities and how they may affect you at work:

Energy
Referees tend to run over 19 kms during a match according to the U.S. Soccer Federation. This is nearly half a marathon in 90 minutes. No doubt they maintain their stamina at the half-time break.

How does your body cope when working long hours? Do you have breaks to sustain your energy?

Fault-Finding
Players frequently contest decisions referees make, and not always in polite ways. We’ve seen referees badgered and criticised and watched them let it go and not impinge on the way they work.

If a colleague always found fault with your decisions, how would you react?

Time Management Skills
Referees spend countless hours preparing for the World Cup. They prepare themselves technically, physically and mentally for 3 years. Many referees juggle full-time jobs in addition to this.

How do you manage your time? Could you do this more effectively?

Interpersonal Skills
All players are different. Some like to take their shirts off when they win and others like to use colourful language when they lose. World Cup referees have to be aware of these differences to help prevent and resolve conflict.

How would you describe the interpersonal differences at your workplace?

These are some of the things we can learn from World Cup Referees. One way of gauging and improving these qualities in individuals and teams is by looking at their Team Management Profiles and Opportunities-Obstacles (QO₂^TM) Profiles. This is one of the easiest ways to find out how people like to work, how they approach risk and what motivates them.

Sarah Eqbal