Big Ange shows how to #BeYourselfAtWork


Being a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter with a passion for great leadership, I can’t help but share my thoughts on Ange Postecoglou, the first Australian to coach an English Premier League team. Early days still but eight games into the season and Tottenham sit top of the league. Following on from his success in Australia, Japan and Scotland, it is clear that there is much to be learnt about effective leadership from this man. Here are my observations:

·     He's a nice person. This for me is super important, all the best leaders I have worked under have demonstrated great humanity and care for others.

·     He gets the best from his players. By encouraging everyone to be their best selves, play to their strengths and without fear of failure.

·     He has a clear and consistent strategy. Tactics will change on a weekly basis, but the underlying philosophy doesn’t. “The only Plan B is to do Plan A better”.

·     He is a great communicator. When he speaks it is worth listening to. Thoughtful, at times witty, always supportive of his people.

·     He delegates effectively. His assistant coaches do most of the day-to-day training whilst he stands aside, watches and analyses.

·     He takes the long-term view. He believes that by focusing on adherence to the strategy, rather than short term results, success will follow.


Postecoglou has clearly thought deeply about his own personal style. He plays to his strengths and builds a team around him with complimentary skills.


This reminded me of an exercise I did recently with the people at #BeYourselfAtWork to create what they call my iAM. Their method is designed to work out your personal values and strengths. When you have your iAM you understand what makes you happy. You also know how to be your best, and how to work to be your most productive.  All lifting your enjoyment and success at work. Great leaders like Postecoglou seem to be able to achieve this innately for themselves and their team, for most of us a little help and guidance is needed.


Reach out to Liz Villani - beyourselfatwork to learn more about how @beyourselfatwork and iAM can help you and your people. And join me in following a great Australian showing them how to do it in the EPL. As we like to say, ‘Come on you Spurs!’


#BeYourselfAtWork #COYS #BigAnge #leadership




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