4 leadership lessons I learned from Arne Slot

When I found out about Arne Slot’s appointment at Liverpool, I was a bit surprised by the club’s decision and thought that Liverpool was heading into a tough transition period, just like Manchester United. Maybe I wasn’t the only one. However, Arne Slot managed to win the Premier League in his very first season and to finish top of his Champions League group.

Not knowing much about Arne Slot, I started to do some research and follow his activity, speeches, and body language. Thus, although I was initially skeptical, the results and the coach’s way of thinking made me change my opinion about him, regardless of the results he may achieve in the future.

1. Keep moving forward

When he was the coach of Feyenoord, Arne Slot shared with his players after a derby win against Ajax: “It’s a win, you can celebrate, but it’s just a win.” Slot was encouraging his players to remain humble, highlighting that a win is just one step towards the bigger picture. So, reaching a long-term goal takes steady effort and dedication. 

On your journey to reach your goals, a win isn’t like a wedding or a baptism, and a loss isn’t like a funeral. Whether you win or lose, what really matters is to keep moving forward. 

2. How can I bring more energy to you?

In a recent interview, Arne Slot mentioned that there’s not as much discussion about tactics at Liverpool as many might believe. One important question the Dutch coach reflects on daily is, “How can I bring more energy to you?” It’s a question we can all consider for ourselves each day.

Not with energy drinks, not with coffee, and not with questionable food supplements: how can we boost our energy in what we do and share it with our teammates?

Footballers aren’t robots, and there are lots of things that can boost their energy levels beyond just the money in their bank accounts. These include fresh training methods, ambitious goals, support from loved ones, cheering fans, healthy competition, the lifestyle... 

How can you bring more energy into your life?

3. If you feel like laughing, laugh; if you feel like crying, cry

A few days after the sad passing of Diogo Jota, the Cormorans coach was asked, “How will you deal with this situation?” The response came with a sense of calm, “If we feel like crying, we will cry; if we feel like laughing, we will laugh.” 

Slot highlights once more that athletes have feelings, but they need to recognize and embrace them.

It's perfectly okay to feel like crying sometimes, and it's just as okay to feel like laughing! Life is a big adventure filled with all sorts of experiences, and a good manager knows how to recognize and understand their feelings.

4. Reciprocity: showing gratitude to those who helped you

After the game against Tottenham that clinched Liverpool's championship victory, Arne Slot grabbed the microphone and sang, "Jurgen Klopp, la, la, la, la, la," cleverly showing his appreciation for the club's former manager who supported him a year ago during his final match. 

So, in conclusion :

• Be persistent and keep going to reach your long-term goals!

• Learn a bunch of ways to get motivated and keep yourself motivated! 

• Accept your feelings

• Show gratitude and give back with reciprocity