Leadership Lessons from Gareth Southgate
Perry Fletcher
Improving Operational efficiencies. Specialist in Executive Search & Interim Management Recruitment. | Resource Planning | Analytics | Insight | Data | Tools | AI |
This morning, as I walked to the office wearing my Southgate 6 England top, I found myself reflecting on Gareth Southgate’s remarkable eight-year tenure as the manager of the England national football team. His leadership has taken the team from the lows of losing to Iceland in the Round of 16 at Euro 2016 and finishing bottom of their group in the 2014 World Cup, to achieving significant milestones:
Southgate has transformed the team's approach to penalty shootouts, shifting the mindset from viewing them as a game of luck to an area of control and preparation. He has also fostered a sense of unity among players, breaking down the club rivalry barriers that once existed.
As I thought about these achievements, it struck me how much Southgate’s leadership qualities can offer valuable lessons for business leaders. Here’s what top-performing leaders can add to a business, drawing parallels from Southgate’s approach:
1. Vision and Strategic Direction
Southgate: Took charge during challenging times and turned around a struggling team with clear goals and a long-term vision.
A top-performing business leader sets a clear strategic direction, inspiring confidence and aligning efforts towards common goals. This strategic clarity helps navigate through tough times and steer the organisation toward success.
2. Performance Improvement
Southgate: Led the team to achieve consistent progress in major tournaments, demonstrating continuous improvement.
As a business leader you should continuously drive performance improvements, helping the organisation achieve milestones and grow in competitive markets. Setting high-performance standards and celebrating milestones.
3. Building a Resilient Culture
Southgate: Transformed the team’s mindset towards penalty shootouts, emphasising control and preparation over luck.
A resilient and adaptive culture that encourages employees to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Resilience enables teams to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing business environment.
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4. Fostering Team Unity and Collaboration
Southgate: Enhanced team cohesion by breaking down club rivalries and promoting unity among players.
Promote a collaborative work environment where team members support each other, leading to better teamwork and innovation.
5. Adapting to Change and Managing Pressure
Southgate: Successfully managed the impact of social media and public scrutiny, supporting players through challenges.
A top performing business leader should effectively navigate changes and external pressures, maintaining a supportive environment that allows employees to thrive.
6. Developing and Trusting Talent
Southgate: Believed in and supported players like Saka, fostering their development and confidence.
Business Leader should invests in employee development, recognising potential, and providing opportunities for growth. Trusting and developing talent ensures a pipeline of future leaders and sustained business success.
Gareth Southgate’s leadership of the England’s football team offers powerful lessons for business leaders. His strategic vision, commitment to performance improvement, ability to build a resilient culture, team unity, managing change and pressure, and dedication to developing talent are all qualities that can transform a business.
ITS COMING HOME !!!!!
Improving New Hire Retention. Executive and Professional Search Permanent & Interim Management Recruitment. COO, Chief Customer Officer, Director roles. Expertise in CX/EX, Transformation. Committed to Diversity.
4 个月Lets hope so Perry. ? ??
Offering solutions to call and contact centres as well as the NHS and other organisations across many sectors.
4 个月Well said Perry, too many managers are more interested in being liked now rather than preparing for a future for those who now don't like them.