Gareth Southgate, who recently stepped down as England’s national football manager, shared a candid reflection on LinkedIn today about his time in one of sport’s most demanding roles. And perhaps his current lack of purpose.
Over eight years as manager, Southgate became the face of a national team that reached historic heights, including a World Cup semifinal and a European Championship final. However, his LinkedIn post was devoid of any football tactics and focused solely on the human layers of leadership.
Southgate wrote, “The weight of the role with the unique responsibility it carried was something few ever get to experience.” In a world fixated on short-termism, a leader paused to reflect deeply, not on victory or defeat, but on responsibility, legacy, and the meaning of purpose.
I find it extraordinary.
I also think that Southgate’s reflections offer a few lessons for leaders in any field. If you’ve ever wrestled with the burden of leadership or pondered what comes next, Southgate’s explicit “purpose journey” provides some food for thought.
Vulnerability Opens Doors
Southgate’s openness about self-leadership sheds some serious light on the importance of human connection. He wrote about his daily drive through the gates of St George’s Park, carrying the responsibility to improve English football and inspire an entire nation. These words weren’t about managing tasks or managing up—they were about showing up. For him, it was personal, not procedural.
It isn’t the first time Southgate has leaned into vulnerability.
In his now-famous “Dear England” letter, penned during a time of heated national debate across the country, he tackled complex societal issues, including racism and inclusivity. His letter reflected courage—a willingness to confront what matters most, not just what’s comfortable.
Leaders who embrace vulnerability find a deeper connection with their team and tend to be better human beings. Being vulnerable builds bridges of trust, allowing people to see the realness behind the title. Southgate’s example reminds us that strength isn’t the absence of doubt but the courage to share it.
The Impact of Leadership
Leadership isn’t about one’s achievements but our effect on others.
Southgate understood this, writing, “Even in the most difficult moments, whether after heartbreaking defeats or during tense media scrutiny, I was acutely aware of the need to stand with dignity and demonstrate strong leadership.” His manager role was as much about shaping his players’ character as it was about winning games.
For young men in particular, Southgate offered a model of leadership rooted in humility and grace.
He inspired his team (and an entire country) not through arrogance but through values. Millions of young fans—many searching for their own sense of direction—found in Southgate a leader who walked the walk. I hope they continue to look up to him, particularly any young men devoid of purpose these days.
Authentic leadership echoes long after titles are passed on or teams disbanded. Its impact is measured by the individuals it empowers, the values it instills, and the resilience it fosters in others.
Purpose Evolves Through Reflection
Southgate also touched on a critical element of leadership: purpose.
He wrote, “This higher purpose kept me on track, gave me structure, made my life more fulfilling and is going to be extremely difficult to replicate.” His words reflect a universal truth: purpose is not static—it grows, shifts, and sometimes demands reinvention.
As I explore in my book The Purpose Effect, purpose is found where personal meaning, professional role purpose, and organizational purpose intersect. Southgate didn’t just manage a team; he represented a nation, inspired hope, and carried the dreams of millions. That sweet spot of purpose fueled him throughout his tenure.
However, as Southgate embarks on his next chapter, trying to rebuild his sense of purpose, his reflection offers a reminder to all leaders.
Purpose doesn’t end when a role does. It evolves, awaiting rediscovery. Whether mentoring, championing new causes, or exploring uncharted paths, purpose remains the compass guiding our choices.
It’s in this next purpose chapter that Southgate might do his best leadership work.
Leadership Beyond the Title
Southgate’s reflections remind us of the enduring truths of leadership.
- Vulnerability creates connection.
- Leadership’s most remarkable legacy lives in the people it shapes.
- Purpose is the thread that stitches together a meaningful life and career.
These lessons transcend football. They resonate with leaders across industries, ages, and stages of life. While some might argue differently, leadership is not about titles or trophies but the courage to reflect, the values we uphold, and the impact we leave behind.
As Southgate wrote, “I’m comfortable with this period of ‘exploration’ and not having all the answers.”
For leaders at a crossroads, his words are both a challenge and a comfort: embrace the uncertainty and trust that purpose will find you one day again. Maybe even for the win!