Hawthorn Football Club’s Post

England’s Lions may not have a trophy, but Gareth Southgate certainly saw that they came close. In fact, Southgate is England’s most successful manager in terms of consistent major tournament performance 🦁 As admirers of effective leadership, we have been reflecting on Gareth Southgate's impactful management style for England over the past 8 years. Here are just a few things we can learn from his approach: ⚽ Taking responsibility: After losing the Euros final in 2020, Southgate took full responsibility for the defeat. He defended his players from excessive blame, insisting it was his decisions that cost England the win and outwardly praised the squad’s performance. ⚽ Promoting Young Talent: Southgate has given opportunities to young talents like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer, showing his commitment to youth development and long-term success. ⚽ Acknowledging his team: In his resignation statement, Southgate profusely thanked his Assistant Manager, the backroom staff, and the multitude of players that he worked with: Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day’ he said. ⚽ Building a Positive Culture: His emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive environment has transformed the England team's culture, on and off the pitch. He has been credited with making the team more cohesive and resilient. “He’s had the right qualities as a leader” says former player and pundit Gary Neville, “He’s been calm, resilient and made difficult and sometimes brutal decisions at times that have been needed.” Southgate's leadership and football career provides us with notable examples of emotional intelligence and resilience. It's also proof that sometimes you can give your all but not achieve all your goals. Celebrating progress is just as valuable and important. What's more, Southgate showed the power of maintaining humility in the face of success and in failure - something applicable to every type of manager, football or otherwise! #management #garethsouthgate #sports #football #lessonsinleadership #pronoctis

YLNI has active volunteer members that contribute their time and talents with each and every event that goes by. This week, we want to highlight Mike Weber, a volunteer with Team YLNI. ⭐ Mike first got started with YLNI when he made a simple Google search about how he could get connected in Fort Wayne. When he found YLNI, he attended one of the General Membership Events, and the rest is history. Mike got connected with the Farmers Market where he would then serve for 7 years. From here, Mike joined Team YLNI where he soon became a captain for YLNI at the annual Dragon Boat Races. Team YLNI has expanded to organize and fundraise teams for the Big Brothers Big Sisters' Bowl for Kids' Sake and World Baseball Academy Wiffle Ball Spooktacular. Team YLNI also has an intramural team that gets together at Fair Play Volleyball. Mike is passionate about the people he works with through Team YLNI and the opportunity to inspire future generations. Mike writes, "I want to pass on the ability for Team YLNI to continue serving YLNI and the community. I also want the next generation of leaders to realize that with a vision and some grit they can make incredible contributions to the community and world, even if they don't have it all figured out." 👏 Fun Fact: If Mike could have a slogan for his life, it would be "Do or do not. There is no try." Mike goes on to explain, "if you are going to do something then you have to believe without a shred of doubt that you can succeed. Otherwise, you have failed before you even started." Thank you, Mike, for all you contribute to YLNI and the community. We are better because of you! 💚 #YLNI #leadership #networking #youngleaders #professionaldevelopment #FortWayne #fortwayneindiana #indiana #myfortwayne #communityengagement

“Your mind is your tram; it will take you any station you wish!” Congratulations to The Rugby Football League England Men’s Team for the infatic series win over Samoa. Shaun Wane recently commented on here: “The winning results are incredible to see, but just as important are the behind-the-scenes acknowledgments from hotel and stadium staff, RFL personnel, and our transport teams who praise our players’ conduct. It’s not just about winning a match; it’s about carrying impeccable behaviour every second of every day in our England camp.” Each morning, the players woke up to a bold message:  "Anything you do is everything you do." Danny Walker was selected in the squad but didn’t take to the field during either game. He could of sulked, he could of hidden away, instead he contributed to the squads aim of being the best they could be and he even helped promote the team through these videos in the changing room after the games. Knowing Danny very well, he will of been disappointed not to have been selected but his mindset will be “how do I improve to get selected next time?” and that will be his focus. He knows hiding away and complaining will do nothing to improve his chances of selection, it most probably will in fact, work against him. Embracing the situation for what it was, enjoying the situation and putting himself forward as he does, you never know what other media opportunities may come his way now, due to his confidence in front of the camera. How often as leaders do we focus on being “badly done to” in challenging situations, rather than seeing them as opportunities to become more resilient, improve and grow, even open up doors we never knew existed? Viktor Frankl talks about the space between response and reaction. He suggests that within this space lies our ability to choose how we respond to any given situation. This choice is crucial for finding meaning, even in suffering. Frankl believes that by recognising this space, individuals can exercise their freedom to respond in a way that aligns with their values and purpose, rather than reacting impulsively. Are you responding to challenges in a way that matches your vision and purpose? Can you become more aware of that choice between reaction and response? #leadership #reactionresponse #rugbyleague #professionaldevelopment #teamculture #sportsbehaviours #winningmindset

Does success have to mean being no.1?… As someone that has limited knowledge of football, I have observed Gareth Southgate over the years he has been in his role and his calm and consistent belief he has in his team. Sadly, England Men’s football team lost the final to a better team.... but does the fact that they got there in the first place make Southgate a good leader? Despite the fact that Southgate has a better record than all England Men’s managers since 1966 combined and has reached a Quarter Final, Semi-Final and two Finals in his four tournaments, he has been heavily criticised in his role. It makes me think - how do you define and measure success as a leader?... Does a successful leader have to make his team or business the best of the best, or is showing growth and bettering past achievements enough? The Lawrence Olivier Award winning play Dear England tells Southgate’s story from his appointment as national team manager to the moment England are knocked out of the 2022 World Cup in the Quarter Finals.  Rather than being about the football, it focuses on the role Southgate has had as a leader in changing the culture, mentality and values of the England team. Southgate understood that previous under-achievement was nothing to do with ability on the football pitch. It was because previous England teams had not had the team mentality and had no resilience. From the interviews I have seen over the last few weeks, it has been clear that he has changed the culture of this team to achieve this progressive improvement and every player clearly believes in him, each other and the team ethos The ultimate prize has not been achieved YET, and the team will have to dig into the resilience they have built – but a leader that can instil that into his people, and show the grace and openness he has throughout this tournament, has much to be proud of. #resilience #leadership #success

Diversity in employment is also an asset

Southgate, best manager England ever had, never makes a bad decision, genius, said it all along!!! 😁 Messaged a friend of mine in jest after Saturday's penalty victory where we'd both been swearing at the TV. Maybe you were too?? But this video helps me understand a little about what is actually happening to this team... "I gave him a massive cuddle on the pitch." Said Southgate about Saka in his post match interview on Saturday. "He's a special boy, he's a dream to work with, wonderful family." I love the care and affection that's so clear from the manager here. Whatever you think about Gareth, Whatever happens in the next game (or two!).. These are the words of a leader that cares about his people. And a team that has a unity, belief and brotherhood that feels palpable, genuine...and different. The question is are these the qualities of elite leadership that drives success? With 3 semi-finals and a final in the last 5 tournaments, and a 3 from 4 penalties record..I'd say so. I'd say this is two games away from being seen as a masterclass in team building and leadership. I'll happily give Southgate the credit for this aspect of his work right now! But what about you? Is Southgate a leadership and team building genius or just an over-sharer that should have brought the subs on earlier ? 😂 😃 And have I just cursed our chances of lifting the trophy!!! 😅 Comment below with your thoughts. Xx PS Please give this a re-post if it's useful for your network. Source: Talksport | Youtube #southgate #england #football #leadership

🏀 Inspired by tonight’s championship game, the close of #MarchMadness, and NC State's incredible Final Four run, I'm here to share a few takeaways from the #Pack I plan to apply to the other 11 months of the year.   1. Be Bold! Coming into the tournament, the NC State's Wolfpack was the ultimate underdog - when we all heard the rally cry “Why Not Us?” we were reminded that improbable does not mean impossible.   2. Know and Play to Your Strengths. Watching both the men’s and women’s teams hit their rhythm highlighted the importance of recognizing and leveraging individual strengths. Whether on the court or in the office, knowing when to pass the ball and when to take the shot yourself is a key to navigating challenging situations.   3. Don’t Let Your Past Dictate Your Future. Adopting Ted Lasso’s “Be a Goldfish” mentality, the Wolfpack didn’t let their season record define their trajectory. Though the men faced a rocky season and several challenging competitors, they clinched the #ACC trophy and proudly cut down the nets after the Elite 8 game last week. Alternately, the women had a great season and approached the tournament with continued grit and determination rather than overconfidence. We won’t get everything right, but if we focus on continuous improvement and being a great teammate, we will set ourselves up for future success.   4. Build a Legacy – Both teams set a precedent for excellence, painting a vision of what is possible for NC State’s basketball program. In the same way, the relationships we build now are the foundation for future interactions and partnerships.   As a lifelong #Wolfpack fan and recent alumni, I focused on my team, but would love to hear some highlights from your team’s season as well! 🏀 🐺   #NCState #FinalFour #GoPack #HowlBack #ThinkandDo North Carolina State University NC State Poole College of Management NC State Alumni Association NC State Athletics

How To Become A Director of Football

Fools They say that only fools step in where angels fear to tread. There is more than enough people who think I am a fool to encourage my second comment on this mess. The simple principle is that changes in governance must have the informed consent of those governed. It’s one aspect of why I don’t much like the term “governance” - it implies separation and control. What rugby needs is informed, committed and insightful leadership. That can only come from within. It is some kind of hierarchy and elite nonsense that this can be achieved by “independence”. Seeking out people with no involvement, experience or commitment to lead anything defies logic and emotion in equal measure. Frankly this whole debate is misguided. If we selected All Black teams like this I could even get a run. But not even I think that is a good idea.

🏀 Last night's New Jersey Group-2 High School State Basketball Semi-Final between Manasquan and Camden was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and a powerful reminder of life's unpredictable nature. After a hard-fought game, Manasquan thought they secured the win with a last-second bucket, only for the officials to overturn the call, sending Camden to the State Finals. In the face of adversity, the Manasquan players, led by the admirable Coach Andrew Bilodeau, displayed remarkable composure and resilience. The controversial decision, though heartbreaking, serves as a important lesson: "Control what you can control." Life often throws curveballs, and it's our reactions that define us. Manasquan's players and Coach Bilodeau exemplified grace in their response, understanding that dwelling on uncontrollable factors only hinders our growth. As I often remind myself, success is not solely determined by outcomes but by the effort and dedication we put in. Coach Bilodeau's leadership shines through in his focus on not letting the press overshadow Camden's victory. This perspective reflects a valuable lesson: acknowledging others' achievements without diminishing their triumphs. While this outcome may sting for Manasquan, the resilience they exhibited, and the lessons learned from Coach Bilodeau will undoubtedly serve them well in life beyond basketball. Success is not solely defined by wins and losses, but by the character we exhibit in the face of challenges. Congratulations to both teams for an unforgettable game, and best of luck to Camden in the State Finals. #lessons #resilience #admiration #victory #defeat