France and England both had spectacular football (soccer) seasons. They won eight World Cup matches to reach the semi-finals, making them two of the top four teams in the sport. Unfortunately, they both lost in the semis, which is depressing enough, but now they must play another match to determine third and fourth place. This means one of the top teams in the world will end its season with two consecutive losses.
What is to be gained — other than money — by having a consolation match? Does it really matter if you are third or fourth in the world? For me, nothing about that game outweighs the sad ending of a brilliant season for the team that loses.
We think so much about the start of things, but not always about the ending. How do you help teams — not just in sports, but project teams, work groups, classes, or any prolonged effort — conclude their work gracefully? Not everyone can be in first place, but everyone can be a winner if it’s managed well.
