When it comes to thinking about a clear instance of effectiveness in the field of human resources, my mind goes to a sportsman − Lionel Andres Messi. Four Spanish Super Cups, five Leagues, two Champions Leagues (he might have won his third one while this article was being printed), one Spanish King Cup, one World Club Cup and one European Super Cup are the main achievements of the 23-year-old Argentinean striker of FC Barcelona. Individual awards such as the two Ballon d’Or, one Golden Boot, and FIFA World Player of the year in 2009 complete the list. Looking at his catalogue of achievements, perhaps one could think that only a privileged few are blessed with the gift of effectiveness. However, it is not impossible to enhance your effectiveness, as the notion of effectiveness basically involves setting out an objective to fulfil and fulfil it successfully.

Coming to think of it, effectiveness is or should be a simple matter of planning and action and implementing it properly. However, this simple concept does not come naturally with the DNA profile of employees, in spite of the fact that it is one of the most valuable requisites any employer asks for.

The renowned Maltese author Edward de Bono does not agree with those who think that effectiveness is an inborn gift. In his book The Handbook for the Positive Revolution, he points out that effectiveness has to be built up gradually, step by step, through constant training and practice. Besides, effectiveness also needs a high dose of confidence, control of one’s actions, and discipline in order to gather patience, perseverance and concentration until effectiveness becomes a habit.

Messi arrived at FC Barcelona’s premises at the age of 13, affected by growth hormone deficiency. The medical treatments and full-time dedication, following the same advice that de Bono suggested, provided him with speed, dribbling and shooting skills. In addition to these individual skills, he is also a team player – he has stated many times that his goals and his achievements also belong to the whole team. Messi is well thought of by both supporters and opponents, and frequently demonstrates human values and humility towards opponents when experiencing the sweet smell of success, and positivism when the team receives a slap from the rival. The current statistics reflect that Messi’s boots have already reached the mythic 50-goal record for the Spanish soccer this season. His percentage for setting up goals for his team-mates is around 25 per cent, proving that this goal scorer is also a most generous team-mate in La Liga.

“Something deep in my character allows me to take the hits and get on with trying to win,” Messi once told the media. “Something deep in my character” clearly meant “the habit of effectiveness”. This modest Argentinean footballer has also given a new definition to the motto of the FCB − “More than a club”. Edward de Bono also stresses in his book the need of a new education. His concept of an improved educational scheme does not only address imparting basic skills and knowledge to prepare a few people for special professions. It moves into the important areas of thinking skills, being decisive for effectiveness, leadership and how to operate and get things done. FC Barcelona, as an organisation, is well known around the world as a football factory that has produced some of the world’s best footballers. The key to its success lies in firmly believing in the talent of local or foreign young players brought up within the club, who will turn into achievers once they are young adults just as Messi did. They do it through specified programmes based on, sacrifice, discipline, a training philosophy, the principle of effectiveness on business, fair play and the ultimate satisfaction of achieving the triumphs.

Barca needs players such as Messi to keep being one of the most admired and successful clubs in the world. Likewise, it is equally true that a prosperous business would vanish without the individual effectiveness of the employees. But, according to de Bono, this effectiveness should be boosted by educational programmes based on working on projects, thinking on objectives, priorities, alternatives, other people’s views, creativity, decisions, choices, planning and anticipating the consequences of actions. Just as Messi uses his training in effectiveness to contribute to the team and net the ball for the shared glory of team and supporters, our people development systems in organisations also need the same environment to turn ordinary talent into extraordinary, which makes the difference between competing in the market to leading the market. De Bono’s saying “without effectiveness there are only dreams” holds water.

Ms Soriano is a Spanish journalist at the Foundation for Human Resources Development