Harnessing organisation to create success

Well, that was some weekend for compelling viewing of sport.

It is interesting to see how the wicket plays such an important part in proceedings for the England v W Indies cricket test.  The commentators cannot be accused of hyperbole when it is plain to see how a delivery is affected by minute differences in where the ball contacts the ground.

It bears some resemblance to the life of a driving instructor where there is a constant possibility for randomness that could affect safety; by the pupil's behaviour or the surroundings.

I did wonder though when I witnessed how Wales turned around the result against France in the 6 nations if there could be a clearer demonstration of how outcomes can be managed.  At half time, Wales were losing 16-0.  The teams return, on the same pitch, in the same conditions, and yet it was as if they were two different sets of players.  As an independent observer of the dramatically different outcome, I can only wonder what part the coaching staff played in that half time talk.  It was a curious event to ponder.  I liken it to what I regularly see with my learner pupils and trainee driving instructors.  One should never doubt the power of human endeavour, but when you also add some smart organisation, stand by for the results.

I had lengthy conversations last week with two chaps who are considering registering up as an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor).  One was at a test centre which he just visited to sound out any helpful advice.  The other was on the phone to a chap who let his green badge lapse some ten years previous (the green badge is what must be displayed in the windscreen by a DVSA registered driving instructor).  The fear of change was palpable in the voices of both, as they wondered whether their dream was little more than a chimera.  I've come to realise over the years that it does not help to inculcate the positive benefits of being a driving instructor; the grit required to pass all three tests is far more relevant.  The benefits of the successful conclusion are rarely in doubt by PDI's (trainee driving instructors), where most need assistance is in how to achieve success. 

The same is true for learner drivers and the complicated path some will take when learning to drive.  A driving instructor can guide and propose routes to navigate, but it is the pupil who treads the track; I'm sanguine about that distinction.  Imagine for one moment the environment surrounding those Welsh rugby players at half time.  Some guiding light was undoubtedly cast upon them by the coaching staff, but my word, each one of them came out deeply believing in the objective ahead and their ability to achieve it.

The weekend sport was a splendid example of the need for reliable, respectful, trusting relationships.  Players must deal with momentary individual blunders where the consequence can be catastrophic.  There is adversity around every corner in sporting life, as there is when learning to drive or training to be a driving instructor; it is the bonding relationships that prevent individuals from feeling isolated that makes for successful outcomes.