Recruitment: “The best eleven are not always the best eleven!”

“The best eleven are not always the best eleven!” An old saying from football can easily be transferred to the professional world of logistics, which usually consists of many small teams or units. In fact, keywords from team sports, such as “team spirit”, “closed team performance”, “compactness”, “homogeneous team”, “subordinating to the team”, etc., can at any time also be adopted for logistics service providers. However, this often gets overlooked during recruitment. Training certificates, overrated references, or university degrees take precedence over practical performance evidence or teamwork skills.

By: Andreas Müller

(Basel) That team spirit can also make a significant impact in companies, especially in logistics service providers, is not a new insight, but in an environment where the much-cited shortage of skilled workers dominates the daily headlines, it is worth recalling this attribute once again. Team sports can certainly serve as a model here. Time and again, teams that are not even on the radar surprise even in the cutthroat professional business with remarkable performances. Currently, 1. FC Heidenheim in Germany’s Bundesliga may serve as an example. The SV Elversberg from the 2. Bundesliga is another such example. Clubs whose teams, based on infrastructure, team quality, and environment, would normally have no chance of playing in these leagues. Since their budget is significantly lower than that of their competitors, they must compensate for the lack of capital with fighting spirit and team cohesion.

In team sports, however, it is not only the players or coaches who contribute to team spirit, but also the people in the environment. The support staff, from physiotherapists to groundskeepers, management, office staff, or doctors, are all important components of a team. And professional sports clubs are ultimately also businesses that, as a whole, determine success.

Examples: SC Freiburg or Union Berlin

Usually, this does not succeed over a long period. However, SC Freiburg or 1. FC Union Berlin prove that one can grow into an established top club through these attributes without betraying one’s ideals. Union has bought a lot of renowned talent this season, and for the first time in a long time, the path has not been upward, echoing the aforementioned saying: “The best eleven are not always the best eleven!” Ultimately, this even cost long-time coach Urs Fischer his job. It also repeatedly shows that small, tight-knit teams in logistics service providers and transport companies are capable of delivering extraordinary performances.

Transferable to the logistics and transport world

In the winding paths of the business world, this wisdom from football also proves true. A team that is homogeneously shaped can often achieve more than a committee of highly educated professionals whose talents do not harmoniously blend together. The key lies not only in academic characteristics but in the art of adaptation and team spirit. Envy among team members can also be a killer criterion.

A mosaic-like team, composed of people from different educational backgrounds, also different ages and genders, brings a wealth of skills, experiences, and perspectives, provided they also fit together personally. This forms the fertile ground for creative solutions and innovative ways of thinking that may have gone unnoticed in a heterogeneous environment full of highly qualified professionals.

The foundation for the success of such a team rests on the pillars of communication and collaboration. Effective interaction and an open ear for ideas, regardless of educational level, foster an environment where innovative thoughts can thrive. Flexibility and adaptability, traits that do not necessarily come with higher education, enable the team to agilely adapt to the demands of the business environment.

Team spirit as the soul of the team

The soul of a successful team is team spirit, woven from motivation, trust, and mutual support. A strong collective can achieve more than the sum of its parts. In this context, leadership plays a crucial role. A skilled team leader recognizes the individual strengths of each team member, regardless of their educational level, and creates an environment where everyone can thrive.

Innovation often springs from diversity. Different backgrounds and perspectives can pave the way for extraordinary solutions. An unbalanced team, on the other hand, may struggle to think outside the box. Appreciation for diversity, both in terms of skills and experiences, is a crucial fuel for creative excellence.

Last but not least, the work environment plays a central role. A supportive environment where each team member feels valued significantly contributes to motivation. The shared mission and understanding of one another create a sense of belonging that is independent of academic titles.

Pulling together

In the world of corporate culture, it is not just certificates and diplomas that pave the way to success. A harmonious interplay of people with different educational backgrounds pulling together can represent a powerful formula for success. In the world of logistics, there is a saying: “This shipment must go out today!” Such efforts are usually only achieved when there is harmony within a team. Otherwise, one drops the “spoon” right on time at the end of the workday and goes home, customer or not…

An exemplary project demonstrating how recruitment based on teamwork works is provided by the Belgian logistics service provider H. Essers. All applicants, regardless of gender, skin color, or qualifications, are given a chance to prove themselves. This example has even reached Belgian King Philippe, who personally came to see it for himself. The project is called: “A Red Solution for All!“

Photos: © Loginfo24