James Milner is not a footballer non-football fans will necessarily have heard of. Yet he is about to play his 600th game in the Premier League (and his 832nd game in all competitions). Having played for some of the biggest clubs in England he has racked up 54,289 minutes of football since making his debut as a 16 year old twenty years ago.
From a young age his ability was noted by coaches, but in their reports, they also highlighted some extras others lacked: work ethic; communication skills; setting a good example. He was seen as a ‘natural leader’.
In a world seemingly dominated by short-termism, hacks and quick routes to fame and fortune (or notoriety) it is refreshing to see a story of success built on hard work, consistency and a relentless pursuit of professionalism.
Milner’s story is also one of making the right choices and not allowing his head to be turned by money, fame and all that comes with being a professional footballer in the Premier League era.
Twenty years ago, this week I was a young speechwriter working in politics embracing the subsidised bars in the Houses of Parliament, fish and chip Fridays and seeing a good night’s sleep as an occasional novelty rather than a fundamental to good performance.
I had enormous fun but do now look back with some regret that I didn’t make more of this amazing opportunity. University is a similar story…
Since then, I have certainly developed a much better level of discipline and focus on what helps me (and those I’m coaching or leading) perform at a consistent high level. Equally I’ve seen lots of other twenty-somethings too willing to rely on their ‘natural ability’ as I did, and James Milner did not.
But I still see forty-somethings who could get far more out of their jobs and careers if they put in place some fundamentals that will help create the right circumstances for good things to happen.
So, whether you are someone just getting going in your career or just feel it is time for a reset here are some lessons from James Milner that will help:
Milner clearly really cares, and he isn’t afraid to show it. He’s never been a ‘too cool for school’ type who isn’t frustrated when he is substituted or angry when his team let a goal in. From a young age he set an example to others.
He has always been able to put the team first in a way that many great sports captains do. I remember one game playing for Liverpool where he was substituted and duly told his manager, Jurgen Klopp, how much he disagreed with the decision only to celebrate wildly when his replacement quickly scored the winning goal.
Milner has always been relentless in looking to the next game or trophy – never resting on his laurels - and embracing the process that is necessary to follow to perform consistently well over a long period of time whether a Premier League season or a twenty year career.
He has shown a willingness to evolve. His drive, determinism and ability highlighted when a young academy player have remained, but he has shown humility to play in a variety of roles across his five Premier League teams. This has in turn given him the flexibility to do the job needed for his team, longevity but also – I would guess based on the kind of character he is – satisfaction that he has been able to keep on learning through two decades of training sessions and matches.