Abel Ferreira's Business Acumen

Having business acumen is the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain. As an example, let's look at Abel Ferreira, a Portuguese coach who has been successful at taking a Brazilian football club to consistent victories, and a number of trophies.

Some common synonyms of acumen are discernment, discrimination, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean "a power to see what is not evident to the average mind," acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment. a director of reliable box-office acumen.

Abel Ferreira began his senior playing career with his hometown club, Penafiel, in the 1997–98 season, initially as a central midfielder before being converted to a right-back. He then moved to Vitória de Guimarães in 2000, where he made his debut in the First League. His career also saw him play for Braga and finish with a notable spell at Sporting CP, where he won two Portuguese Cups and two Super Cups. 

• Penafiel: Started his senior career here after progressing through the youth ranks, beginning in the 1997–98 season. 

• Vitória de Guimarães: Joined in 2000 and made his top-flight debut with the club. 

• Braga: Moved to Braga for the 2004–05 season. 

• Sporting CP: Transferred to Sporting CP in January 2006, initially on a loan deal that was made permanent. He had his most successful period here, winning two cups in Portugal and two Supercups of ‘Cândido de Oliveira’ titles. He also played in the UEFA Champions League for Sporting, scoring a goal against Manchester United in 2007 (see video below). 

• Professional playing career: Ended his playing career in 2011, having played over 230 First League matches as a right-back.

Why am I saying Abel is a good example of business acumen? Clearly, he had his head screwed on right because he built his career from ground zero by climbing the ranks. Nothing was given to Abel.

Peças de reposição BMW e Mercedes-Benz, importadas, de qualidade, a preços acessíveis

He used every moment to learn whilst making consistent improvements to reach the high-level quality player he was. Unfortunately, he sustained a serious knee injury that cut his career short. Fortunately, he enrolled himself in a coaching course which later paid off when he was unable to continue as a football player.

During every stage of his career, he has spent a lot of his free time analysing strategy to find ways that he can help his squad get the most out of each game. He was always committed enthusiastically to ongoing improvements which has helped him climb the ladder to where he is today.

It didn't happen by chance, and to the contrary his business acumen has been developed consistently through his career. Abel is a simple man, a person who is very difficult to dislike. He's a people's man; a true leader and inspirational coach.

However, evidently his panache has paved his way to earning a salary much more than the average Joe Blogs. Everything he has earned has been painstakingly earnt. Needless to say, the stress he has to carry on his shoulders is heavy like a ton of bricks.

Salary though isn't what makes a person have business acumen; it is the time and effort put into the equation that counts. Concentrated effort that paves the way for a more meaningful solution.

Gut instinct comes from longstanding commitment and overall success takes time to perfect!

Take care!

Prof. Carl Boniface

Check out Abel's goal against Manchaster United.

Vocabulary builder:

"Head screwed on right" means to be sensible, practical, and wise. It describes someone who makes sound decisions, has a realistic perspective, and demonstrates common sense. The phrase is an idiom that likens a person's ability to think clearly to the physical stability of a securely screwed-on object.

"Paid off" means a debt has been fully repaid or a person has been paid in full, typically when leaving a job. It can also mean that something was worth the effort because it resulted in success or a good outcome, such as a gamble paying off. 

"Panache" means flamboyant confidence of style or manner. "He entertained Palm Springs society with great panache."

"More than the average Joe Blogs" is a phrase that means to be more than just an ordinary, typical person. "Joe Bloggs" (or "average Joe" in American English) is a placeholder name for an average or typical man, so the phrase implies someone who stands out from the crowd. 

"Painstakingly" means with great care and thoroughness. "The property has been painstakingly restored by its current owners." "Painstakingly earnt" means something was acquired with great care, effort, and close attention to detail. The term "painstakingly" describes the process, implying that it was meticulous, required a lot of time, and was perhaps even a bit difficult or "painful" to achieve. 

"Needless to say" means as one would expect or it's obvious, and is used to introduce a statement that is already known or to emphasize a point that is clear. Although it literally means you don't need to say it, the phrase is used for emphasis, making what follows feel self-evident or unsurprising. 

with crushing weight, force, or authority.

"Like a ton of bricks" with crushing weight, force, or authority. "All her years of marriage suddenly fell on her like a ton of bricks."