Gareth Southgate exemplifies the notion that there’s no such thing as a perfect leader.
He embodies many qualities of great leadership, including empathy, inclusion, kindness, patience, consistency, compassion, and passion.
These attributes are why many players have shared glowing testimonials since he announced his resignation as England Manager. His record also showcases remarkable results, and his teams have certainly performed well.
However, there’s an unfortunate truth:
People aren’t remembered for simply doing well.
In business terms, doing well often means standing still. When you stand still, others can catch up and surpass you. I often hear phrases like, “We all get on brilliantly,” and “My team is excellent.”
The England football team is filled with incredibly talented individuals who respect their manager and work well together. Despite being favorites to win the Euros in some circles, they were fortunate to reach the final, relying on last-minute wonder goals and the unpredictability of penalties.
This team, led by a well-liked and respected person, has achieved notable milestones with two finals and two semi-finals, but those achievements don’t equate to true success.
Does this sound familiar?
✅ Great people in the team.
✅ The team is led by a great person.
✅ Doing well.
❌ Missing the mark.
You see, great leadership, and achieving great success, requires more than being a great person.
While the positive attributes are vital, the tougher side of leadership is equally important. Truly great leaders:
- Take educated risks.
- Recognise when things aren’t working, and make the necessary changes.
- Adapt as a situation develops.
- Hold low performers accountable, regardless of their status.
- Play to the team’s strengths, not the individual’s.
I hold a great deal of respect for Southgate and this reflection is not intended to criticize him.
However, he serves as an example of how relying too heavily on being a good person and playing it safe can hinder a leader from reaching their full potential.
In both sports and business, the balance between empathy and making tough decisions ultimately determines whether one does well or achieves greatness.
I believe that leaders in any field can learn from Southgate’s experience; great leadership combines compassion with the courage to take risks and make difficult choices.
Always strive for that balance. In order to achieve undeniable success, it is crucial to drive your team forward, as well as to earn their respect and approval.
If you’d like to learn how I can help you develop as a leader in your own right, get in contact today. Alternatively, visit my leadership masterclass page, where you can view all of my upcoming leadership workshops!
