Nov 01 2021 37 mins
In Ireland, Feargal needs no introduction. In August he led Tyrone to the All-Ireland football championship in his first year as coach, the first time in 14 years and for only the fourth time in history. For listeners outside Ireland, his story is equally remarkable and relevant. To put it in context, in sporting terms his achievement as manager is like winning the Champion’s League in soccer or the Superbowl in American Football. And it’s made all the sweeter by the fact that as player he lost in the final by the narrowest of margins. A few highlights from our conversation which are relevant for any leader. •There is never a perfect time, when the opportunity comes you have ‘to jump” •You need “to abandon the shelter of a #2 role when you take the #1 role” •In a knock-out format, “there is no tomorrow” so you have to achieve peak performance today •For inspiration, he doesn’t follow sports leadership gurus. He relies on his ability to read people gained from his daily work as a lawyer (Gaelic football is an amateur sport) where he sees people at their most vulnerable and challenged •Whilst reluctant to talk about his own unique contribution, for him the leader’s role is “to steer things at the critical moments” •Why it’s vital to maintain balance in what can be an all-consuming environment and how he stays grounded• And recognising that the joy of success lasts so much shorter than the pain of failure, he plans to enjoy it for as long as he can! Thanks for listening, and if you think this can help a colleague, please share.