Ever thought about what makes a leader truly stand out? How does someone manage to capture the hearts of many and drive a team to success?
One leader is Sarina Wiegman. Sarina is a Dutch football manager and former player who has been the manager of the England women’s national team since September 2021. Most recently, of course, she came within a hair’s breadth of English Football World Cup victory for the first time since 1966.
She is a highly-respected figure in the women’s game, having won the UEFA Women’s Championship as both a player and a coach.
Who is Sarina Wiegman?
Sarina Wiegman is a highly-regarded coach who is known for her attacking style of play and her ability to get the best out of her players. She is also a strong advocate for women’s football, and she has spoken out about the need for more investment in the sport.
In 2016, Sarina Wiegman was appointed the head coach of the Netherlands national team. She led the team to victory in the UEFA Women’s Championship in 2017 and also to the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019. In September 2021, Wiegman was appointed the head coach of the England national team. She led the team to victory in the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro, their first major tournament title.
In 2023, Sarina Wiegman was awarded the Best FIFA Women’s Coach for 2022, making it her third time winning the award, the most by any coach. She became the only coach to have won the award more than once. Most recently, she became the first person t manage a team in two consecutive World Cup Finals.
Sarina Wiegman is a role model for aspiring coaches and players everywhere. She is a highly successful and respected figure in the women’s game, and her achievements have helped to raise the profile of the sport. Sarina Wiegman’s leadership on the football pitch provides some fascinating insights.
Let’s take a closer look at the lessons ambitious office managers can learn from her.
1. Ambition and Drive: Dream Big, Act Bigger
Picture this: the roaring crowd, the stadium lights, and a team bursting with potential. What’s the secret ingredient behind such a dynamic setup? Ambition. Sarina’s clear vision was the magnet that drew success her way, both as a player and a coach.
Office managers, take note! Set your sights high. Dream big, but also act big. It’s one thing to set a goal, but quite another to actively pursue it with vigour. So, are you setting your bar high enough?
How to ‘be more Wiegman’: Ever considered organising a quarterly vision-sharing session? It’s a great way for office managers to channel Sarina’s ambition. Lay out the broader goals of the company, break them down into tangible targets, and visualise the trajectory for your team.
Remember how Sarina had a clear vision for her team’s victory? Your vision-sharing can be the beacon for your team, guiding them towards organisational success. So, when’s your next session scheduled?
2. Determination and Resilience: The Power of Perseverance
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Setbacks that seem to push our goals just out of reach. But remember Sarina’s knee injury? Did it stop her? Not in the slightest. Her story reminds us that the road to success is paved with resilience.
Office managers, when things go south – and sometimes they will – dig deep. Rally your team, keep pushing forward, and remember: it’s the bumps along the way that often leads to the best stories.
How to ‘be more Wiegman’: Think back to a challenging project that seemed almost insurmountable. Did you know that embracing and celebrating small wins along the way can do wonders for team morale? Drawing inspiration from Sarina’s resilience, office managers can host monthly reviews. Not just to discuss what went wrong but to celebrate what went right.
It’s about creating a culture where setbacks are viewed as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. So, next time a challenge arises, why not turn it into an opportunity for growth?
3. Communication and Delegation: The Art of Letting Go
Ever watched a football game and noticed how players often seem to anticipate each other’s moves? That’s not just skill; that’s clear communication and trust in action. Sarina’s prowess in this department is undeniable. She gives her players autonomy, empowering them to make decisions.
Office managers, listen up! Micromanagement is so last decade. Trust your team. Delegate with confidence. Encourage open communication. After all, if your team members feel heard and empowered, don’t you think they’ll be more invested?
How to ‘be more Wiegman’: Ever tried a feedback loop? It’s a game-changer. Inspired by Sarina’s knack for communication and delegation, office managers can set up regular check-ins with their team members. But here’s the catch: it’s not just about getting updates.
It’s about listening, understanding, and adjusting. By creating an open channel for feedback, you’re not just delegating tasks, but you’re also entrusting responsibility. Fancy giving it a go on your next project?
4. Trust and Respect: The Foundations of Leadership
Can you imagine leading a team where trust and respect are absent? It’s a recipe for disaster, isn’t it? Sarina’s handling of the ‘taking the knee’ controversy is a masterclass in leadership. By supporting her players and their right to express themselves, she reinforced a culture of mutual respect.
Office managers, it’s a two-way street. Respect your team, earn their trust, and watch how this solid foundation paves the way for success.
How to ‘be more Wiegman’: Taking a leaf out of Sarina’s book on trust, office managers could benefit immensely from an open-door policy. By ensuring your team members know they can approach you with their ideas, concerns, or even casual chats, you’re building bridges of trust.
And remember the ‘taking the knee’ incident? It was Sarina’s unwavering support that shone through. Similarly, by being a pillar of support for your team, you’re not just managing them; you’re leading them.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration: Together Everyone Achieves More
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. A team that works well together is like a well-oiled machine. Remember the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro? Sarina’s team was not only skilled but also played with undeniable passion. And that’s the golden ticket!
Office managers promote collaboration. Foster an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. After all, when everyone pulls together, isn’t the journey smoother and the destination closer?
How to ‘be more Wiegman’: Why not infuse a bit of Sarina’s emphasis on teamwork into your office culture with team-building days out? Be it a day at an escape room, a pottery class, or even a football match, fostering camaraderie outside the office can lead to seamless collaboration within.
It’s about creating memories, bonding, and understanding each other’s strengths. After all, a team that plays together stays together, right?
Are You Ready to ‘Be More Wiegman?’
Now, I know what you’re thinking: can the football pitch really offer insights for the office?
Absolutely!
Sarina Wiegman’s journey, her values, and her leadership style aren’t confined to sports. They are universal lessons in excellence.
So, office managers, are you ready to step up your game? Because the pitch, or rather, the office, awaits. And remember, it’s not just about leading; it’s about leading with passion, purpose, and authenticity.