I know there are so many LinkedIn posts proliferating online at the moment with titles like “10 things Gareth Southgate’s resignation tells us about xxxxx”, but I couldn’t resist adding to the wall of noise, as there is an aspect of Gareth Southgate’s England football leadership that has really struck me. Fun fact: I once worked briefly with the ex-England manager when I was working as a community juniors coach for Crystal Palace; he showed up to meet the young players and got involved in a penalty shoot out competition!
Anyway, back to my point – in a world increasingly dominated by technology, generative AI, and automation, it’s easy to overlook the timeless value of soft skills in leadership. In my opinion, Gareth Southgate, the recently departed England manager, has shown us that these skills will only become more critical, even in the high-tech environment of professional sports. Southgate’s tenure has been marked by an emphasis on creating the right environment for his players—an approach that has driven the England team to some of their best performances in recent tournaments.
Technology and Sport: A Winning Combination?
Professional and international sports have embraced technology like never before. I read in the Guardian last week that England players have been wearing Oura rings at the recent Euro24 to monitor their sleep and recovery; they have long had devices in their shirts that track hydration levels, and they follow meticulously developed training and nutrition plans. These technological and scientific advancements are undoubtedly important, providing data-driven insights that enhance performance and reduce injury risks. However, despite these technological marvels, something more intangible has been at the heart of England’s recent successes under Southgate’s leadership.
The Soft Skills That Make a Difference
Southgate’s success is not just about leveraging technology; it’s about his ability to connect with his players on a human level. Here are some key soft skills that Southgate has employed to great effect:
1. Building Relationships and Trust
Southgate has always prioritized building strong relationships with his players. He understands that trust is the foundation of any successful team. By taking the time to get to know his players personally, he creates a sense of belonging and loyalty. This is crucial in any organization, where trust between leadership and employees can significantly impact morale and productivity.
Example: After England’s defeat in the Euro 2020 final, Southgate publicly took responsibility for the loss, shielding his players from criticism. This act of leadership not only demonstrated his accountability but also reinforced the trust and respect his players have for him.
2. Motivation and Inspiration
A good leader knows how to motivate and inspire their team. Southgate’s approach has been to create an environment where players feel confident and motivated to perform at their best. He’s known for his motivational talks that instill belief and confidence in his players.
Example: Southgate’s emphasis on positive reinforcement has been key. Before the 2018 World Cup, he encouraged his players to write letters to their younger selves, a reflective exercise aimed at boosting self-belief and motivation.
3. Vision and Belief
Creating a shared vision is another critical aspect of Southgate’s leadership. He has been able to instill a sense of purpose and direction in his team, making them believe in their collective goal. This vision aligns everyone’s efforts and fosters a cohesive team spirit.
Example: Southgate transformed the players’ mindset about penalty shootouts. Historically a sore point for England, his methodical approach to practicing penalties and psychological preparation has seen a dramatic improvement in their success rate in high-pressure situations.
4. Creating a Positive Environment
Southgate has made it a priority to create a positive and inclusive environment. He understands that players perform best when they feel valued and supported. This is a lesson that HR leaders can take to heart—creating a workplace where employees feel appreciated can lead to higher job satisfaction and better performance.
Example: His decision to stand by players who faced racial abuse after the Euro 2020 final was a powerful statement of support and solidarity. This not only reinforced the team’s unity but also highlighted the importance of a supportive environment.
Embracing Soft Skills in a Tech-Driven World
In the age of technology and automation, the importance of soft skills in leadership cannot be overstated. Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager is a testament to the power of empathy, trust, motivation, and vision. These are the qualities that make a leader truly effective, beyond the data and the devices.
For business leaders, and anyone involved in leadership development, the lesson is clear: embrace technology, but never underestimate the impact of soft skills. Creating the right environment, fostering strong relationships, and inspiring your team can lead to extraordinary results. Just ask Gareth Southgate, England’s second most successful football manager of all time.