Perfecting Leadership

We always advise ‘try not to follow a tough act.’ There’s not a lot to be gained by being next after Sir Alex Ferguson or Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It feels harsh for people to compare, but that’s precisely what they will do – all the time.

Sonia Bompastor, however, has taken on what was becoming the toughest job to fulfil in women’s football and against all the odds, brought her team to a new level. The new Chelsea women’s FC manager had the toughest task of following the brilliant Emma Hayes after she stepped down with five WSL titles in a row to her name. As expected, there was little to no applications for the role, until general manager, Paul Green, identified Bompastor as an ‘outstanding candidate’ given her impressive history as both player and manager.

Just seven games into the season and she is already demonstrating exactly why she has a Champions League trophy and three consecutive French Division 1 titles with her beloved Lyon.

Chelsea have hit the ground running with seven wins out of seven (a new record) – almost as though Emma Hayes had never left. It wasn’t just Bompastor’s resume that gave her the edge, she’s been described throughout the media as ‘another big personality,’ evidently so as Lyon describe her as a legend and she has articulated herself excellently by commending and recognising the outstanding legacy Hayes left behind that she now must follow.

Bompastor is doing something that we struggle to see done often, in both the men and women’s game – jumping higher than the extremely high bar that’s been set and exceeding the enormous expectations of the loyal and demanding fan base.

It's becoming clear that Bompastor was a well thought out appointment, she’s not just the best leader for the job, but vitally, the best leader for the team – but how has she done it?

Bompastor has not been afraid to both leave things alone and change them when she sees fit. When a leader takes on a new role, it’s their choice if, and when they make the tough calls – once again, Sonia has done just that. The fans may have had a lot to say when she reshaped the team with some new, younger talent to replace some of the reliable and loyal long servants but now there’s no denying the courageous calls were proved to be correct.

The top of the women’s game has rightly challenged itself on the recent shortfall in women of colour at the top of the game. Again, Bompastor stays ahead of the pack by bringing not one, but a batch of brilliant young women of colour from all over the world – Colombia, Japan, France, and plenty more to follow, I’m sure.

Bompastor reminds me of Angela Ahrendts when she was appointed CEO of Burberry, in the way she is a brilliant leader building an even more brilliant team. She was always doing the things others said could not be done. Become the leader you would want to lead your team and set the best example possible.

Inheriting a team from such a loved and trusted leader leaves the challenge of gaining trust and loyalty. The best way for any leader, in any industry, to succeed with those challenges is to be honest and authentic through their communication and behaviour – be on the side of your team. Countless colleagues of Bompastor, both previous and current, have sung her praises when discussing her strong character in the dressing room to motivate her team – she leaves little room for doubt as she balances her communication with uplifting motivation and soft-spoken understanding.

Her recent win and leapfrog over the league leaders, Manchester City, revealed that she simply told her players to ‘enjoy the win and continue our run.’ She so elegantly gave her team the credit for the impressive form, but reminded them how important it is for everyone, even those not chosen to play, to enjoy the experience, so they can continue their winning ways and feel the happiness of success for even longer.

It's something so simple that often gets neglected. Many leaders allow their harsh feedback and detailed tactics to cloud their empathy. There’s a common misconception that leadership and management are one and the same – it’s vital that we understand they are not. Leadership requires you to support, guide and connect with the team, almost never referring to your authority and certainly never putting your team down.

No matter what role you take on, no matter what expectations are set, we are all humans that must enjoy what we do and the way we do it. Bompastor’s legacy within women’s football is inspiring, there is no denying that – she is also consistently role modelling with authenticity.

It's unfortunate to say that with all the positivity surrounding women’s football, there has been a shocking and quite honestly shameful showcase of ignorance on social media. Chelsea striker, Sam Kerr and her partner, West Ham midfielder, Kristie Mewis made the brilliant announcement that they were expecting their first child. In what should have been a time of celebration and acceptance, the couple were met with appalling homophobic comments calling their news ‘tragic’ and ‘disgusting.’ There is no excuse for this level of hatred in what must remain a tolerant, inclusive, and progressive society.

Bompastor displayed her top-level leadership yet again by defending her star player in an interview, stating "I just want to support Sam, fully support her. These comments are unacceptable, especially in our world in 2024. It's crazy to understand how people can react like this. We're so happy for Sam. I can't wait to welcome this little baby into our Chelsea family." That is exactly how a leader should support their team in any time of need.

There has been much praise to female athletes, especially in football, for being honest and open about their personal lives – in turn, there has always been great acceptance of gay relationships within the women’s game. However, when we witness such contrasting and outdated views spewed online, it perhaps explains why the men’s game feels so far behind and hasn’t seen more vulnerability and openness when it comes to personal lives.

The women in sport deserve our support and attention, they are doing incredible things and accomplishing brilliant milestones – many still find it hard to speak up against those who exclude, let’s try to be their voice and speak out for what is right.

We are seeing a new wave of inclusive leadership as time goes on and it’s evident that women are at the forefront of it – deservedly so. Since as long as you and I could remember, leadership roles have been gifted to men, regardless of if they met the standard or the requirements. Thankfully, we are beginning to see this change. I have been very honoured to have worked alongside a vast array of leaders – repeatedly the brilliant women demonstrate why they deserve their role and sometimes in a vastly different but admirable ways.

Women in leadership have fought relentlessly to be recognised and rewarded in their executive roles, yet their fight doesn’t stop just because their status changes. There’s a new era approaching and there is something truly special having women lead it. Now is the time to show them our support and belief. Sonia Bompastor is a true role model for all ages and genders.

Don’t fear the future – strive for a better outcome. Together we can do anything.

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Thought of the week:

When someone feels left out, it is our job to bring them in.

Tips for becoming an A player:

• Enable every voice to be heard
• Before asking others to change, ensure you have done so first
• Never let ignorance control leadership
• Give your team a reason to believe
• Surround yourself with difference

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