This being the world cup season and all, here are some lessons I learnt from Soccer that can be brought into Social Work. What better way to tell it than through the quotes of soccer greats!
"Football is like a religion to me. I worship the ball, and I treat it like a god. Too many players thing of a football as something to kick. They should be taught to caress it and treat it like a precious gem."
Pele
Social work calls for passion, and of course individual calling. If there is no desire to work towards making a difference, whether or not you work long hours, get promoted, whether that pay increase is good enough are factors that no longer matter. You can either just go through the motions of work, or you may continuously reflect and work towards ensuring the effectiveness of interventions and programmes.
"The vision of a champion is someone bent over, drenched in sweat, to a point of exhaustion, when no one else is watching"
Anson Dorrance, American Women's soccer Coach
During work, like 90 minutes of football, we have to give it our all. We work hard, and think hard, so that we are proud to tell ourselves we have done our best. But yet, we maintain that humility to ourselves. Of Course, we keep our best to that 90 minutes, after that is time for ourselves and our families.
"Fail to prepare, Prepare to Fail"
Roy Keane
This quote speaks for itself don't it?
"Every single day I wake up and commit to myself to becoming a better player" and
"Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react to it."
Mia Hamm (American women's soccer star)
Again the need to reflect on our work, and what we have done, to ensure that we continue what was good, and think about how mistakes can be prevented.
"In Latin America the border between soccer and politics is vague. There is a long list of governments that have fallen or been overthrown after the defeat of the national team."
Luis Suarez, Mexican Journalist
Social Work also has vague boundaries with politics and the grassroots community. There is a need to be aware of the climate surrounding your work through extensive community work and networking with key grassroots organisations and politicians in your boundary. Effective community work complements individual casework. Ignore the environment at your own risk.
"Something deep in my character allows me to take the hits and get on with trying to win"
the Great Lionel Messi
Sometimes we need to handle professional and personal criticisms that get in our way. What is important is that we take these criticisms constructively and use them to motivate ourselves to do better, and also prove our detractors wrong.
"Well, I can play in the centre, on the right and occasionally on the left side"
David Beckham after being asked if he is 'volatile', obviously thinking that this meant 'versatile'
Hmm.. Listening is the most important skill to have. Active listening includes making sure you understand the request, having proper information regarding your client's concerns beforehand, and of course all those things about showing that you really are listening. Listen to your clients, listen to your colleagues, listen to your bosses, and listen to your hearts, especially if its beating too hard telling you that you are working way too much,
And yes, I took that picture of my TV showing a world cup game (I am that bored). Go Ghana!
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