What separates Bill Belichick, Nick Saban, Gregg Popovich, Mike Krzyzewski, Geno Auriemma and Pep Guardiola from all other coaches? What makes them such great leaders? For answers to these questions, let’s take a Guardiola. To North American readers, he may not be as familiar as the other coaches listed. To the global audience however, he is recognized as an iconic coach and leader.
Guardiola was one of the best soccer midfielders of his generation and is now considered one of the greatest managers in soccer history. He currently coaches the English club Manchester City and has guided them to a Premier League title. Guardiola has won 24 major honors and holds the record for the most consecutive league wins in La Liga, Bundesliga and the Premier League.
Currently, I am reading Grant Wahl’s wonderful book Masters Of Modern Soccer: How The World’s Best Play The Twenty-First-Century Game. I chose this book because I wanted to learn more about creativity, innovation, thinking outside-the-box, and leading during times of significant change. It has not disappointed. I have learned a lot about being an elite leader during these rapidly-changing times. I highly recommend the book and if you wish to purchase a copy, you can do so by clicking HERE or on the image provided.
Wahl interviewed superstar player Xabi Alonso who said of Guardiola, “You see that he is a great as a manager. He deals with that leadership position well. He knows how to connect with players. That’s very important. One-on-one, he is really persuasive. He convinces you in a smooth way and that’s the best to convince someone. From the football point of view, he is brave enough to make the decisions that would scare someone. I really admire that. He wants to try new things, always thinking: What can do to get better? He doesn’t just take things for granted. Apart from all those qualities, he is a great worker.”
He goes on to add, “It’s not about the manager, it’s about the players… You need to adapt and work the best possible way with players you have.”
The following are 13 Things The Best Leaders And Coaches Do based upon the comments above:
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Own The Room. The Best Leaders And Coaches Give Their Teams A Sense Of Confidence That Makes Them Worth Following. – “You see that he is a great as a manager.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Are Humble – “He deals with that leadership position well.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Connect With Players – “He knows how to connect with players. That’s very important.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Are Great Communicators – “One-on-one, he is really persuasive.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Have A High Level Of Emotional Intelligence – “He convinces you in a smooth way and that’s the best to convince someone.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Make Hard Decisions – “From the football point of view, he is brave enough to make the decisions that would scare someone. I really admire that.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Are Incurably Curious – “He wants to try new things”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Dedicate Time Just For Thinking – “always thinking”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Never Grow Complacent – “What can do to get better?”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Focus On The Fundamentals Of Success – “He doesn’t just take things for granted.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Have Incredible Work Ethics – “Apart from all those qualities, he is a great worker.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Focus On Their Players, Not Themselves – “It’s not about the manager, it’s about the players.”
- The Best Leaders And Coaches Adapt To The Strengths Of Their Players – “You need to adapt and work the best possible way with players you have.”
Once again, Masters Of Modern Soccer: How The World’s Best Play The Twenty-First-Century Game is a very insightful book. You should pick up a copy. Finally, what is one thing you learned from Pep Guardiola which will make you a better leader?
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