Are you tough enough?

You've got to be the big man, right? Make the tough decisions. Be assertive. Be aggressive. Brutal honesty. Tough love.

"You're such f*cking dopes. You're not serious figures. I love you, but you are not serious people", Logan Roy (a legendary, albeit fictional leader)

In a world where leadership often seems synonymous with ruthlessness and unyielding toughness, Gareth Southgate stands as a beacon of a different kind of leadership.

His approach with the England football team offers valuable lessons that can be applied far beyond the pitch.

A Leader with Empathy

Southgate’s leadership is defined by his empathy. He listens to his players, understands their individual needs, and fosters an environment where they feel valued and supported.

Does this ring true? Think about your current boss (or if you are the boss, think what your team are thinking about you right now).

Are you working in an environment where your voice is heard and appreciated? An empathetic leader builds trust and loyalty, which are crucial for any successful team.

One of Southgate’s notable moments was his handling of the penalty shootout defeat in Euro 2020. Instead of assigning blame, he took responsibility and publicly supported his players. This kind of leadership encourages a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for punishment.

As someone who has been 'sacked' about a dozen times over the years for various tiny errors (at least I viewed them as tiny and insignificant), it would have been great to work for a boss who didn't bellow and rant and sack me for every little thing. [Note: he usually relented and un-sacked me the next day but it didn't do much for my stress levels!].

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Clear Vision and Communication

Another hallmark of Southgate’s leadership is his clear vision and the ability to communicate it effectively. He has a strategic plan for the team and ensures that everyone understands their role in achieving the collective goals.

Do you know what you are doing? Where your role fits into the grand plan? Does your team know? There is nothing more heartbreaking at work than spending hours on a project that you know in your heart is doomed or foolhardy or just plain shit. You feel that you're wasting your time. Treading water. Waiting for everyone else to come to the same conclusion.

It doesn't have to be like that.

Focus on Development

Southgate invests in the development of his players, both on and off the field. He recognises that a well-rounded individual contributes more effectively to the team.

Leaders should focus on the holistic development of their employees. This includes providing opportunities for professional growth (courses, training etc), but also supporting their personal development and mental well-being. You could even employ the services of a fantastic sport psychologist to help your team work better together (I would recommend this chap. Really knows what he's talking about)

Implementing mentorship programs and continuous learning opportunities can help employees grow. Encouraging work-life balance and supporting mental health initiatives can enhance overall performance and job satisfaction.

Resilience and Adaptability

In the ever-changing world of football, adaptability is crucial. Southgate’s ability to adapt tactics and strategies in response to different opponents is a key component of his success. We will find out whether he is on the right track tomorrow night as England take on Serbia. He team choice and tactics have changed completely in the past 18 months, making him a much braver and adaptable leader than many give him credit for.

For business leaders, resilience and adaptability are equally important. The ability to pivot in response to market changes, technological advancements, or unexpected challenges can make the difference between success and failure.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses had to quickly adapt to remote working. Those that did so effectively, with clear communication and support for their employees, were able to maintain productivity and morale.

Building a Cohesive Team

Southgate’s emphasis on team cohesion over individual brilliance is another critical lesson. He has fostered a sense of unity and collective responsibility among his players where no one is the star and no one is greater than the team.

Encouraging collaboration and breaking down silos within an organisation can lead to more innovative solutions and a stronger company culture. This is harder to do in practice as the traditional advice of "team-building activities" makes my soul die a slow death. But anything you can do to help create a sense of unity is time well spent.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Southgate has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity and diversity, both in his team selection and his public statements. He understands that diverse teams bring a wealth of perspectives and ideas, which can lead to greater creativity and problem-solving.

Business leaders should also strive to build diverse teams and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.

Implementing policies that promote diversity and inclusion can help create a more innovative and dynamic workforce. Unconscious bias is a part of who we are as humans but at least being aware of it does make a difference.

Action Steps

1. Listen and Support: Build a culture of empathy where employees feel valued.
2. Communicate Clearly: Ensure everyone understands the vision and their role in achieving it.
3. Invest in Development: Provide opportunities for professional and personal growth.
4. Be Adaptable: Develop resilience and be ready to pivot when necessary.
5. Foster Team Cohesion: Encourage collaboration and a sense of unity.
6. Promote Inclusivity: Strive for diversity and create an inclusive work environment.

Gareth Southgate’s approach to leadership isn’t just for football; it’s a blueprint for success in any field.

Stay boring, stay successful.

Jon

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