This is article 5 in the SP100 list, highlighting elite athletes' and coaches' achievements, philosophies and methodologies. These articles highlight stories and careers that have potentially been missed or gone under the radar by the mainstream media.
Carlo Ancelotti is undoubtedly one of the greatest sporting managers of the 21st century. He has achieved some unbelievable accomplishments. He has achieved everything from bringing the 'La Decima' to Real Madrid to setting a record for five different domestic league title successes. However, unlike his peers such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson, very little is known about Carlo. His managerial reign has spanned four decades and five nations. He has won 40 titles and honours and worked with some of the best players of the modern era. Surprisingly, Carlo has done his business in such a humble and unassuming way, even with all this success. As one of football's greats, there are multiple lessons we can learn from such a success story.
You can't imitate leadership
Leadership is one of the most discussed topics in human performance. The skill of leadership is relevant to nearly every sport and business in the world. A great leader can revolutionise a team or company, while a bad one can breed toxicity and resentment. This can lead to a complete collapse of morale.
There have been countless books, seminars, lectures, and theories on leadership. Different styles and tactics have been promoted throughout the last 50 years. In researching this article, the leadership philosophy Carlo Ancelotti abides by jumped out.
'Leadership can be learned but cannot be imitated.'
Many read the autobiography of a top sporting coach or a billionaire businessperson and embrace the attitude of 'it worked for them, so it will work for me'. There are many famous examples of strategies, from Steve Jobs' aggressive and demanding approach to people management to Alex Ferguson's infamous 'hairdryer treatment'. However, Carlo has promoted the philosophy that you cannot copy another's leadership style. Leadership is a dynamic concept. Each great leader's style suits their industry and team dynamic. Sir Alex Ferguson's strategy in the successful Manchester United sides of the 90s and 2000s may not work in a struggling lower-division side. The bullish nature of Steve Jobs at a rapidly growing Apple may not work in a small regional business.
While learning about leadership and understanding how others succeed, developing your own ethos and style is crucial. Truly successful leaders develop a unique style of people management and leadership.
Relationships form your foundations
Whether you find yourself a manager/leader of a multinational corporate business or a local league sporting team, one key element remains the same for everyone; you have to interact with people. Everything revolves around human interaction, from getting the best out of your team to recruiting new members.
In his book Quiet Leadership, Carlo's co-authors, Chris Brady and Mike Forde, interviewed various players who have played under Carlo in their careers. From Ronaldo to Ibrahimovic, from Beckham to Pirlo, the players interviewed were some of the most iconic of the last 50 years. The consistent message they all emphasised was how well he interacted with them and their fellow teammates. He knows when to lighten the mood in a dressing room, when to offer an ear when someone is struggling, and when to ask for input from others. He is able to make all his players feel respected, heard and valued. While managing big egos in any team, there is often a balancing act.
Having a team with elite performers can allow for huge success but also cause huge friction among a team. Being able to match the freedom a superstar needs to thrive, and the equality of attention and respect required for a balanced team is often tough. Many managers and leaders struggle with this in all industries and sports.
The key is to remember that human beings are underneath all successes, talents and egos. Whether the player being spoken to is an under-21 prospect starting their journey in his team or is Cristiano Ronaldo having just won a Balon'dor, Carlo treats them with the same attention as respect. No matter who you are speaking to, offering your team members compassion, trust, and respect will develop their trust, belief and respect in you. People are willing to run through walls for those they feel truly have their back and want them to succeed.
As discussed in this article, developing your own leadership style is important. This can be built around your traits, preferences and industry. But treating those you manage with respect, compassion and trust can develop a powerful bond that will help implement any new ideas or ease the difficulties of any tough conversations that need to be had. People understand leaders must make tough decisions they may not agree with or like. However, if they feel that the leader fundamentally has the success of them and their team at heart, it is embraced with far more ease.
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