Pep talks: Tapping into collective emotions
Pep Guardiola is often hailed as one of the most successful football managers in the world. He frequently appeals to players’ individual emotions to motivate them and to generate a feeling of belonging to the team. This case delves into his first season as a coach at FC Barcelona (2008-09), with a particular focus on his team’s journey to the UEFA Champions League final and his use of collective emotions to motivate his team to perform. The case zooms in on events in the dressing room that preceded the final game. Instead of his usual speech before kick-off, Pep showed an inspirational video to all players. The moving video illustrated the team’s accomplishments, hard work, and dedication. It leveraged heroic images with emotive music, touching the hearts of the players. The case intends to explore the complex relationship between the use of collective emotions and team performance and allows to explore and apply frameworks to participants’ own leadership.
- Recognizing the importance of appropriately using the emotions at hand for effective leaders.
- Understanding emotions in terms of their intensity (low-high) and valence (pleasant vs unpleasant).
- Recognizing how different emotions can affect a team performance.
- Reflecting on one’s immediate environment (family, friends, colleagues, boss, team) and exploring examples of appropriate / inappropriate use of emotions.
- Applying the model to one’s own leadership and exploring what to improve.
FC Barcelona, Travel and Leisure, Football
June 2008 – June 2009
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Great leaders prioritize rest and recovery by fostering strong team relationships and respecting out-of-work boundaries, ensuring employees can recharge and thrive.

We are all impacted by negativity bias. But do you know what it is? Take this short quiz to test your knowledge and find ways to counterbalance its impact.

A five-step approach can help leaders foster sustainable legacies and social progress, while supporting financially sound futures for their organizations.

Most of us have an inner demon that says, "You’re not good enough". And, in an era when leaders are expected to question themselves and their decisions, imposter syndrome could be on the rise. But do you know what it actually is? Take this short q...

Teaching your team to manage up can give you greater insights, lead to better decision-making, and even boost retention. Here's how leaders can foster a culture that encourages upward influence.

Through mentoring, team empowerment, and striking a balance between leadership and personal development, Susan, a female CEO, overcomes micromanagement and burnout.

When it comes to yoga, having the right state of mind is essential. The same is true of leadership. Here are some unexpected ways you can benefit from a yoga mindset and find the right balance without the poses.

Understanding your leadership style and how to adopt or blend different approaches will improve your ability to respond to intensifying challenges and stakeholder expectations.

Most of us "cater" to others in certain social and work situations. But is this effective leadership behavior? Jennifer Jordan lays out the pros and cons of catering.

Two senior lawyers give their verdict on the American Arbitration Association's efforts to harness the power of generative AI. They explain why incumbent organizations must seize the opportunities without delay.
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 18 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD Brain Circuits 14 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 14 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 13 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD Brain Circuits 11 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 11 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD 6 February 2025
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications