Are we making work overtly complicated? Faith Work and Soccer

I signed up to be an assistant coach for a U7 soccer team.  Also known as "football" in other parts of the world.  We are the Orange Panthers.   I've never coached soccer nor have really played the game.  Always trying something new and push ourselves by doing something new right? Absolutely and I'm super excited for the upcoming season.   First off, do not under estimate what kids at this level can achieve; they are truly amazing to watch.  I'm constantly surprised by how they have become more confident in themselves and their abilities in the very short time together.   

Last week was our first Training Day where we learned some of the drills.  But the highlight for me, and what got me started in writing this post, was when we played a few short games of some 2 on 2, 3 on 3 scrimmage.  This was my first opportunity to coach players in a game; it was a practice game, but it didn't matter to these kids.  

In the workplace today, we're inundated with reports, metrics, process, procedures, policies, and progress updates-- the list goes on of the numerous tasks we need to complete.  People are less engaged with what they do, they're increasingly confused by the goal and objective of the company, they're burnt out, they need to attend countless meetings, and are often taken away from doing the "real" work.  Sounds like your work place?

With 3 boys on one side, and 2 boys on the other.  I gave my two teams the exact instructions with equal excitement and enthusiasm.  1) Work together  2) Score in the net!  When it was their turn to play, I cheered them on and shouted out a loud "Go!"  These kids ran out there, performed, and celebrated as they jetted back with giant smiles after scoring a goal.   We did high-5s, low-5s, anti-gravity-5s and celebrated every goal together.  And before the next team ran out on the field to play the next round, I reinforced how amazing they were, repeated the same instructions, and cheered them on.  We had fun!  And I only got one question: What's the score?  (We're not suppose to keep score, but let's say we did well). 

This brings us back to the question.  Are we making work overtly complicated? How different would our work environments be if we, as managers and leaders, practiced giving clear and short list of goals, empowering and encourage our teams to do it, and finding ways to celebrate our successes (and misses).  This means we celebrate regardless how big or small the task may be or even when we don't score.  And remember to have fun while doing it! 

It works with a U7 soccer team, and I have a hunch that it would likely work with adults too.