One new leader in, and a significant one gone – in just under 2 weeks of one another. Sir Keir Starmer and Gareth Southgate took on roles that could not be more different, but their character and appreciation are noticeably similar.
It pains me to have to discuss yet another unsuccessful England football final, but I had watched England with a smile on my face for 8 years thanks to the leader we had in Gareth Southgate. Many called for him to be sacked, on numerous occasions – forgetting just what he had done in comparison to those previously in charge. There had been an unfortunate lack of belief in his ability to lead the team to success despite giving supporters the best time as fans for 58 years, an exceptionally long time.
Regardless of your stance on Southgate, it’s hard to deny that there was always a sense of underappreciation towards him as a leader. His achievements in getting to finals and semi-finals of multiple competitions will always be remembered, but what he did for the players is even more important. Southgate managed to make the nation cheer once again, and for his players, he made them a family. The infamous Euro 2020 penalty incidents compelled Gareth to stand up for his players against racism and bring the whole team together as one to speak out and take a stand, changing the attitude towards racism in football for the better.
Those that couldn’t bring themselves to back him were certainly left eating their words – Southgate was stubborn in his ways, but it worked for him and his team.
As Southgate, a little predictably, announced his departure soon after the loss of the final this year, it became apparent that the love for him was in fact always there. There were always doubters, and although there may not be silverware to show off, there was something solid and remarkable that can be built upon. He proved many doubters wrong in consistently getting to the business end of competitions than we’ve ever seen, creating a sense of belonging within the England side, and making the nation come together with joy. Southgate proved his competence as a leader – and the best leaders know when to go (as we have mentioned before) but was this really the best time for him to go with the World Cup only two years away? I’m not sure he felt ‘wanted’ enough. The constant carping and negativity have driven this successful leader away. Maybe we should be incredibly careful about what we wish for.
The empty space leaves for questions of who can take over? And what should they bring to the role? if they can fill the big shoes left.
Gareth Southgate went out with class, and his farewell message matched that energy. “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.” The quote of a man who just gets it and understands what it means to be a leader.
The story of Southgate is certainly similar to that of Keir Starmer’s appointment as Prime Minister – after 14 years of chaotic government and no little incompetence and quite a damning display of leadership, the inevitable change arrived. As expected, there are many doubters. There are even those that have voted for Starmer that lack full belief, believing it was the party not the leader that they voted for. Ring a bell?
It might still be a little hard to blame them, as we have become accustomed to poor leadership, and it will take some real positive change to get us to believe again. Even though his party was derelict and completely underperformed in recent elections to such a level that they were deemed “unelectable” by many political commentators. It looked like many years in the wilderness to get them fit for purpose again. But much like Southgate, he has worked quietly and diligently to remove all the things that held them back and has done what nobody saw coming back when he took over.
But with his appointment as Prime Minister, there is now a clear desire and goal in the Labour party to win over the nation’s hearts and minds through competence and courage. Already, we have seen the Prime Minister abolish the Rwanda Policy and make a promise to freeze tax increases – two initiatives demonstrating his compassion and empathy towards those suffering unfairly.
Leaders like Southgate and Starmer fall victim to their own strengths because we often give the spotlight to those with more charisma and loud personas, which can cover up for their underperformances and incompetence. Leaders like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson always hog the headlines – two individuals who undoubtedly make a statement with their character but have proven repeatedly they aren’t the answer. It misconstrues people’s ideas of leadership – just because their name is well known, doesn’t mean they’re right for the job or the team. It leads to questions of maybe that charisma is overrated? The focus should be on the direction, vision, and integrity of the leader.
With new arrivals and departures come nail-biting questions and concerns. What can we expect from both sides? As we enter the period of change, there’s a real opportunity to prove his political counterparts wrong by doing the things they could not – his actions must speak louder than his words. Keir Starmer must win over those that still don’t trust or admire him; he must overachieve as Prime Minister to prove even more he can get the job done and outshine his predecessors – much like Southgate did. We do know that will still not quiet his doubters.
As for that all-important England role, the names are already flying around. Lee Carsley could step up from a successful tenure as England U21 manager. We could see a huge step for women’s football as Sarina Wiegman has been considered – and there’s even preparation to wait for Pep Guardiola to become available. As many of the rather self-righteous pundits have stated, this “golden generation” deserves a better leader. Both Starmer and Southgate have not been afraid to make quite radical changes to their teams and consequently, they have continued to prosper, despite the lack of affection and gratitude.
When things get tough, we tend to find out how tough and brave our leaders truly are. Southgate and Starmer have been tested countless times, and it will continue. Neither are perfect but they both demonstrate courage, competence, and compassion.
In these challenging times there is always the place for great inspiring speeches, but it is also the time for empathy, leadership and great deeds.
Thought of the week:
The time for changing is today – not tomorrow.
Tips for becoming an A player:
- Let others educate you
- Focus on the solution, never the problem
- Allow your actions to speak louder than your words
- Give your best for those around you
- Give everyone an opportunity
