Here’s what Gareth Southgate can teach us about leadership in business

Ahead of a BIG quarter final this weekend, it’s a great chance to reflect on the role of great leadership in high performing teams.

‘Building a high performing team’ was a key objective for every leader I worked under at Nike and again when I was in charge.

Watching the way Gareth Southgate has transformed the England team from ‘it might be coming home’ to ‘its DEFINITELY coming home’, is more a lesson in leadership than a lesson in football.

And it’s one we can all learn from. 

Here’s 3 key characteristic shown by Gareth Southgate which can transform any under-performing team.

1. Empower your team

Gareth has adopted a coaching style of empowering the team under him, particularly senior players. 

When those in your team feel empowered to make decisions and take ownership, you encourage qualities such as self-improvement, personal and team thinking and freedom to choose.

Research has shown environments like this allow people to do the best work of their career (winning a World Cup?!). And when your team is performing at their peak, everyone wins.

2. Show Humility

Unlike many other football managers (‘The Special One’!!!), Gareth shows humility in the way he leads. It’s never ‘The Gareth Southgate’ show - which leaves room for his team to grow and flourish.

Being humble enough to step aside and let your team do what they need to do is a trait of a great leader. Your team is not there to serve you. They are there to perform a role to the best of their ability. And it is your job to make sure you get them there. 

3. Take the hits for your team

There probably aren’t too many environments more high pressure than World Cup Football. With this, you expect there to be punches thrown at your team when they don’t perform. 

Gareth has developed a leadership style where he will take the hits for his team when he needs to. It is rare, if not unheard of, that he would leave a player out on their own to take the heat.

This is a trait of great leaders. Provide the aircover for your team. Take the pressure for them, so that they are free to do great work. Your team will flourish when you create the space for them to flourish. Part of that involves clearing away pressure and stress from external influencers.

It’s undeniable that there is correlation between great leaders and high performing teams. Look at any team transformation in any sport anywhere in the world and I guarantee, at the heart of it, is a great leader showing these qualities.

Study the greats. See what makes their teams perform so highly. And apply it to your team. They will thank you for it.

On that note, C’MON ENGLAND!