Is Gareth Southgate too nice to lead? That was the subject of much media discussion preceding his appointment as England Football Manager. Could he really get the best out of a group of such strong characters? Could he be demanding enough to get the required results? Did he have the leadership strength and resilience to last when the going gets tough or was he just too soft?
There was a definite belief that ‘the nice approach’ was not consistent with the stereotypical loud, powerful and forceful management styles that have been associated with many other former football Managers. Ergo, he would be unable to make the role work for him.
We need to recognise that managers and leaders come in all shapes and sizes with differing styles and approaches. The most successful leaders are those who able to flex and balance their style and approach to get the best out of an individual and the team. The soft skills of leadership (or the ‘being too nice’ approach) of listening, support, understanding, being approachable and respectful of others are, in my view, as important as knowing when to be demanding and unaccepting of poor performance or behaviour.
An executive leadership study ‘What predicts Executive Success’[1] concludes that those ‘results at all costs’ executives actually diminish the bottom line, while self-aware leaders with strong interpersonal skills who value the importance of displaying more of the ‘soft leadership skills’ deliver better financial performance.
The research suggests that self-aware leaders, who understand themselves and can relate to others, are generally more successful.
So while many people might harbour the assumption that too nice leaders, who are inclusive rather than ruthless, finish last, research shows nice people can finish first.
Leadership coaching encourages self- awareness, builds on behavioural strengths and refines leadership styles. By becoming more aware, you’ll develop your own personal style and have the confidence to embrace those individual qualities that make you you. Leadership coaching also helps you refine behaviours that make for a balanced and rounded approach.
Good luck Gareth Southgate and here’s hoping that this ‘nice guy’ will become a very successful leader and prove the doubters wrong.
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[1] What predicts Executive Success. Green Peak Partners and Cornell University.
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