11 leadership lessons we can learn from Gareth Southgate

1. Make a plan 

When heading into challenging situations, always make a plan. Even when others might have a different idea, don’t abandon the plan. Share and explain it with the team; assign them clear roles and give it a chance to work.

2. Bring in the best people from everywhere 

A diversity of talent, backgrounds and thinking is key. True magic happens when different skills collide. Remember, it was Cole Palmer’s ball into Ollie Watkins in the semi-final that helped produce his miraculous goal.

3. Be resilient

When things aren’t going well, and everyone thinks they can do a better job than you, believe in yourself, your team and your plan. Take the heat for the team and shelter them from the dream stealers.

4. Help people believe in themselves

Give people a task to do, and support them with it. Don’t take it off at the first sign of difficulty. If they seem to be struggling – give them a chance to work it through. Let them express themselves within their role, and give them space to make their own choices.

5. Be prepared for the unexpected

Things never work out quite as you expect. Like your captain crashing into the bench and stumbling over the drinks bottles. Be there to catch them! 

6. Take things one step at a time

Don’t worry about what might happen. Focus on the now and the task in hand. When that’s accomplished, move on to the next task. One game at a time. 

7. Protect your people

Penalties are agony for us to watch. But it’s even worse for the players. That’s why Gareth uses a buddy system – assigning a protector to greet the penalty taker after they’ve taken their kick, and welcome them back to the centre circle. Never let your people feel they’re alone. 

8. Keep something up your sleeve

Always keep something in reserve, and don’t be tempted to play it too soon. Like sending on exactly the right substitute at exactly the right time. 

9. It isn’t over until it’s over

When Ollie Watkins scored his spectacular 89 minute 59 second goal, he rescued England fans from the pain of extra time and penalties. And Jude Bellingham had the crowds singing to the rafters with his injury time over head kick against Slovakia. Give it your all until the very end. 

10. Keep your head up

Win or lose, stay positive. As Einstein said, ‘failure is success in progress.’ There’s always next time and a true winner never stops trying. 

11. Have fun and make time to celebrate

When it’s time to celebrate, celebrate with the team. Can the team match the success of the England women's football team, The Lionesses, in EURO 2022?