Club Culture - How Do You Change It?

[Guest José Mourinho]

In light of recent comments, and many not-at-all-recent, we are again facing the accusations of having a poor culture.

And I think it's plain to see they are correct, or at least have been.

But my question is: how do you change a bad culture?

I'm not into exaggeration using terms like "toxic."

Basically we have had a culture for some time that is simply not conducive to reaching the ultimate success at AFL level.

There have been other reasons, but this has been a significant contributor.

And recently, when we have been trying to rebuild, I think the leadership vacuum has exacerbated the culture problem.

So - how do you change it?

How will Neeld change it?

How long will it take?

WHAT DOES THE CLUB NEED TO DO?

[satyricon 267]

In light of recent comments, and many not-at-all-recent, we are again facing the accusations of having a poor culture.

And I think it's plain to see they are correct, or at least have been.

But my question is: how do you change a bad culture?

I'm not into exaggeration using terms like "toxic."

Basically we have had a culture for some time that is simply not conducive to reaching the ultimate success at AFL level.

There have been other reasons, but this has been a significant contributor.

And recently, when we have been trying to rebuild, I think the leadership vacuum has exacerbated the culture problem.

So - how do you change it?

How will Neeld change it?

How long will it take?

WHAT DOES THE CLUB NEED TO DO?

Define Culture

Who says we have a bad Culture?

Are you just perpetuating "rubbish" that is sprouted by so called pundits?

Has Collingwood this week now got a bad culture, whatever that may be

Edited April 16, 2012 by satyricon

[Fat Tony 5,265]

Draft well.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 11,233]

Remove players who are the reason for the previous culture.

Change your leaders.

Set and communicate new standards,

NB: Actually changing it takes time but we have set the wheels in motion already.

[The Chazz 4,077]

When you have a first year coach and 2 captains aged 20 and 22, it is going to be very difficult. They are the 3 guys at the Club that have to drive this change.

1. Onfield body language. Was commented by Ben Hur in a different thread that walking to their positions before the opening bounce on Saturday, the players had their heads down, etc. The captains should ensure before any player runs out, that all socks are pulled up, that the "whatever it takes" sign is touched by each player when leaving the rooms, and if someone gets caught not doing it (even if they forget), all players have the right to drag them back and make sure they remember.

2. Regardless of what quarter it is, what the score is, there should be no excuse for players not to get around another player after they kick a goal, especially if it is a forwardline player - there should be 5 forwardline players around him, and that's a minimum.

3. Every player should lay at least 1 sheppard per quarter. Very basic stuff, but at quarter time, it's a simple and honest question by the coach "who didn't lay a sheppard?" It is up to that/those players to make up for it in the 2nd quarter. No one should come off at half time without laying at least 2 sheppards. If they do, the red vest awaits.

4. Every forward should make at least 4 tackles per game - minimum of 1 a quarter. If the ball isn't getting down there, then they have every right to get up the midfielders.

They are some basic things that need adressing immediately. It won't "change the culture" instantly, but will be good foundations to build on. If no-one wants to follow these rules, they are not welcome at the Melbourne Football Club.

[Guest Jackie]

Have a Great Cutural Revolution like Mao did in China. The fans will storm the club and have a "struggle" session against the old boys club. Put witches hats and sandwich boards on them with our list of our grievances, parade and humiliate them in public and then exile them off to wherever Liam Jurrah comes from.

[McQueen 17,867]

In light of recent comments, and many not-at-all-recent, we are again facing the accusations of having a poor culture.

And I think it's plain to see they are correct, or at least have been.

But my question is: how do you change a bad culture?

I'm not into exaggeration using terms like "toxic."

Basically we have had a culture for some time that is simply not conducive to reaching the ultimate success at AFL level.

There have been other reasons, but this has been a significant contributor.

And recently, when we have been trying to rebuild, I think the leadership vacuum has exacerbated the culture problem.

So - how do you change it?

How will Neeld change it?

How long will it take?

WHAT DOES THE CLUB NEED TO DO?

Slowly. There's no flick to switch here.

Elite compliance, elite work ethic, elite preperation.

Values, integrity, vision et al.

They might all sound like [censored] terms but when systems are built and put in place around principles like these, you have a paradigm shift which in-turn leads to a change in culture.

Right at the moment, I believe Neeld is challenging the paradigms at MFC and a footy club really isn't any different to a large business when it comes to change. It will [censored] many off, but it will be the making of others.

[Guest José Mourinho]

Remove players who are the reason for the previous culture.

Change your leaders.

Set and communicate new standards,

NB: Actually changing it takes time but we have set the wheels in motion already.

Yes, I agree with this.

But also it has to come from the coaching dept. in terms of reinforcing good habits, and identifying bad ones and eliminating them.

The old START, STOP, KEEP thing.

But this takes time - they won't recognise all the things wrong that need to go in the first few months.

It'll take consistent regularly repeated analysis.

Then also enforcing good habits by repetition until they become habit.

The coaches really need to be switched on, and a dominant presence.

I'm not talking 1, I mean a coaching group. Harassing the players to do the right things.

This is where the extra resources are needed.

Feedback needs to be blunt, fair and honest.

And needs to be given continually.

But I think it goes well beyond just the playing group and the coaches.

[Guest José Mourinho]

When you have a first year coach and 2 captains aged 20 and 22, it is going to be very difficult. They are the 3 guys at the Club that have to drive this change.

1. Onfield body language. Was commented by Ben Hur in a different thread that walking to their positions before the opening bounce on Saturday, the players had their heads down, etc. The captains should ensure before any player runs out, that all socks are pulled up, that the "whatever it takes" sign is touched by each player when leaving the rooms, and if someone gets caught not doing it (even if they forget), all players have the right to drag them back and make sure they remember.

2. Regardless of what quarter it is, what the score is, there should be no excuse for players not to get around another player after they kick a goal, especially if it is a forwardline player - there should be 5 forwardline players around him, and that's a minimum.

3. Every player should lay at least 1 sheppard per quarter. Very basic stuff, but at quarter time, it's a simple and honest question by the coach "who didn't lay a sheppard?" It is up to that/those players to make up for it in the 2nd quarter. No one should come off at half time without laying at least 2 sheppards. If they do, the red vest awaits.

4. Every forward should make at least 4 tackles per game - minimum of 1 a quarter. If the ball isn't getting down there, then they have every right to get up the midfielders.

They are some basic things that need adressing immediately. It won't "change the culture" instantly, but will be good foundations to build on. If no-one wants to follow these rules, they are not welcome at the Melbourne Football Club.

This is all great, but I think it doesn't get to the root of the problem.

Culture doesn't start on-field.

These are all necessities, but they are not the building blocks.

When I think of a poor culture, they are more human behavioural issues.

Issues that need correction through sustained reinforcement of good habits.

The WANT to change must be there too.

Some players could use some serious work with behavioural psychologists, in my view.

And some will be in the "too hard basket."

Not because they're not worth it, or can't be changed, but because of the effort required, and the potential for an adequate replacement to be found with less effort.

Certain players, without naming names in this thread, will be gone pretty quickly.

[The Chazz 4,077]

If we can get 38 palyers doing what I suggested on a regular basis, it will make Neeld's job a lot easier. If we can start to show improvement onfield, but there is still an elephant in the room, then they have a lot more weight, as a football department, to demand change from wherever else.

If the players sit back with the attitude that they will change after others change, we will see a repeat of 186.

If McLardy hears the players whinging about this and that, especially if they are trivial things rather than things that will directly impact their performance, and they continue to perform as they are, they don't have a leg to stand on. If he can see them making serious attempts as a playing group, including the football department, then he will have no choice other than act upon concerns.

The things I mentioned I believe for 2 inexperienced captains especially, will show immediate signs, and should be well received by the entire playing group. I just don't see them either a) doing it at the moment, or b ) being given the free reign by the coach to implement such things. I'm only basing that on what I've seen on the TV coverage with just how both Jack and Jack seem to be struggling to motivate/inspire their players. I could be totally wrong on that, and am happy if I am.

[Robbie57 2,022]

Admit to the mistakes made all around, too much management speak, losing leaders too early, devaluing our olders players, stop sulking, players who have talent but dont use either by being lazy or not committed enough, etc and then insist on people correcting their mistakes (Neeld included).

Jimmy did it after the Prelim Final, Watts has stepped up and it appears Davey has as well.

I can name about at least half the team who have more raw talent than Jones but dont learn, put in 150% and correct the way he has year on year. The guy cops it on the chin and steps up to try just a bit harder week in and out because he loves his footy, the club and wants to win for the team.

I think malthouse is right about our footy culture and we need to stop the rot.

I am sick of spoiling my weekend watching the poor efforts we serve up.

[Guest José Mourinho]

Admit to the mistakes made all around, too much management speak, losing leaders too early, devaluing our olders players, stop sulking, players who have talent but dont use either by being lazy or not committed enough, etc and then insist on people correcting their mistakes (Neeld included).

Jimmy did it after the Prelim Final, Watts has stepped up and it appears Davey has as well.

I can name about at least half the team who have more raw talent than Jones but dont learn, put in 150% and correct the way he has year on year. The guy cops it on the chin and steps up to try just a bit harder week in and out because he loves his footy, the club and wants to win for the team.

I think malthouse is right about our footy culture and we need to stop the rot.

I am sick of spoiling my weekend watching the poor efforts we serve up.

To be honest, this post just conjures images of poor culture, not changing it.

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,602]

How can you have a winning culture when we have no past players involved in the club that have experienced success?

How can new players come into a side and understand the standard required when there are no leaders in the older players? And when you do have them you give them the arse before its respectful to do so.

I think the only way to do it would be to bring in people who have had success - because sometimes its not what is said but who is saying it.

Edited April 16, 2012 by Norm Smith's Curse

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,602]

To be honest, this post just conjures images of poor culture, not changing it.

If you dont understand the problems its pretty hard to reflect on how to change them...

[Guest José Mourinho]

How can you have a winning culture when we have no past players involved in the club that have experienced success?

Geelong?

How can new players come into a side and understand the standard required when there are no leaders in the older players?

I think the only way to do it would be to bring in people who have had success - because sometimes its not what is said but who is saying it.

That would be ideal, but is hard to do.

You could easily find us mortgaging our future just to get them here.

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,602]

Geelong being coached by a premiership player...

[rjay 25,091]

Geelong being coached by a premiership player...

and a 2 club premiership CEO.

[Guest Dr Who]

Slowly. There's no flick to switch here.

Elite compliance, elite work ethic, elite preperation.

Values, integrity, vision et al.

They might all sound like [censored] terms but when systems are built and put in place around principles like these, you have a paradigm shift which in-turn leads to a change in culture.

Right at the moment, I believe Neeld is challenging the paradigms at MFC and a footy club really isn't any different to a large business when it comes to change. It will [censored] many off, but it will be the making of others.

Very nicely put - sadly we will have to fight the conservative regime that will resist change. But you are 100% right it will "[censored] many off" - But importantly it should be no "witch-hunt" - we need to all change together.

Edited April 16, 2012 by Dr Who

[Ouch! 2,266]

In light of recent comments, and many not-at-all-recent, we are again facing the accusations of having a poor culture.

And I think it's plain to see they are correct, or at least have been.

But my question is: how do you change a bad culture?

I'm not into exaggeration using terms like "toxic."

Basically we have had a culture for some time that is simply not conducive to reaching the ultimate success at AFL level.

There have been other reasons, but this has been a significant contributor.

And recently, when we have been trying to rebuild, I think the leadership vacuum has exacerbated the culture problem.

So - how do you change it?

How will Neeld change it?

How long will it take?

WHAT DOES THE CLUB NEED TO DO?

1) Chose a path to take,

2) Ensure buy in from all parties, "deal with the fallout of those who do not buy in quickly and absolutely"

3) Have enough faith to stick to the path, thick and thin.

4) Give it enough time to embed itself (5 years+)

[dee-luded 2,959]

A training ground & social Club facilities close to Our main members suburbs,,, like the Bombers have, like the Hawks had, like the Cats have, like the Blues have, like the Pies always have had.

Accessibility for the regular members to say Hello, chat, talk, get things signed, a relaxed casual atmosphere, no hoity toity.

Elsternwick Park would be a starting point, with all the public transport.

A place for the players to be normal, feet on the ground stuff... Where Suits or T shirts are the normal attire. A natural setting.

# Edit: Note that all those clubs are the Power clubs of the last 40 years or so... just ponder things.

Edited April 16, 2012 by dee-luded

[Sir Why You Little 37,130]

Geelong?

Add Brian Cook to the Word Geelong....He was a major factor in the turn around at Geelong.

[Dr. Gonzo 24,300]

A good start would be to start from the top. Lead by example and don't let others (the AFL, other clubs, the media) push our club around. Lead by example and show strength from the top down. Stand on our own two feet and stop being reliant on the AFL drip and the Queens Birthday charity match.

A perfect example was the Mifsud case. We should have demanded this bloke was sacked yet once again we rolled over like softcocks.

[Guest Dr Who]

1) Chose a path to take,

2) Ensure buy in from all parties, "deal with the fallout of those who do not buy in quickly and absolutely"

3) Have enough faith to stick to the path, thick and thin.

4) Give it enough time to embed itself (5 years+)

Nicely said - we must also trust OUR footy people. Support them above all others. Constructive criticism is great - but negative, media driven trash is toxic - much the media writes is simply a matter of feeding the chooks - they (the chooks) are that desperate for information the believe every word.

Our destiny is in our hands - stop blaming the players, stop blaming the administration, stop blaming recruiting, stop blaming the AFL.

However, actions speak way louder than words. Spread a positive open-minded message, short-term results will tell us nothing more than what daily tweaks we must make.

If we want to beat the best we must think like the best - whoever that may be. Our footy people are our life-blood - invest in them & stop trying to out think them as a lay-person - the media will jump on and start feeding your toxic views or they will start jumping on feeding our positive views.

Its your choice - change or die.

[McQueen 17,867]

1) Chose a path to take,

2) Ensure buy in from all parties, "deal with the fallout of those who do not buy in quickly and absolutely"

3) Have enough faith to stick to the path, thick and thin.

4) Give it enough time to embed itself (5 years+)

I read somewhere that culture change in large organisations takes around 3 years or so.... Might've been jack Welch quote.

But yeah, you're right. The change is one thing, embedding it is another. Something I think Geelong are effectively doing now.

[Fork 'em 6,991]

A training ground & social Club facilities close to Our main members suburbs,,, like the Bombers have, like the Hawks had, like the Cats have, like the Blues have, like the Pies always have had.

Accessibility for the regular members to say Hello, chat, talk, get things signed, a relaxed casual atmosphere, no hoity toity.

Elsternwick Park would be a starting point, with all the public transport.

A place for the players to be normal, feet on the ground stuff... Where Suits or T shirts are the normal attire. A natural setting.

# Edit: Note that all those clubs are the Power clubs of the last 40 years or so... just ponder things.

Who , the ones that saw our last flag ?

I have no problem with Melbourne trying to tap into into 1 of the largest growth areas.

It hasn't seemed to have effected the Dawk moving out to Waverly.

There are Demon supporters in the burbs aswell.

Edited April 16, 2012 by Fork 'em