Football and John Adair’s Action-Centred Leadership

Football is a sport that captivates millions, sparking intense passion and loyalty among fans worldwide. It’s not often though that we look at how management theories apply to the beautiful game but here’s an example involving leadership.

In football, leadership can be the decisive factor that determines whether a team achieves success or falls short. Managers, captains, and coaches play crucial roles in steering their teams through the challenges of a competitive season, and their leadership styles significantly impact performance and morale. One leadership model that aligns well within the football world is John Adair’s Action-Centred Leadership (ACL). Developed back in the 1960s, Adair’s model emphasises balancing three key areas: Task, Team, and Individual needs. Although originally intended for business management, this framework can be used in football, where winning matches, building cohesive squads, and nurturing individual talent are fundamental to success.

Understanding Action-Centred Leadership in Football

Adair’s Action-Centred Leadership model argues that effective leadership must address three overlapping and interconnected needs:

1. Task: Achieving the team’s goals, such as winning matches, securing promotion, or avoiding relegation.
2. Team: Building a cohesive, motivated, and supportive squad.
3. Individual: Addressing the personal needs, development, and well-being of each player.

In football, these elements are not just theoretical, they are vital components of a team’s overall performance. Let’s look at these areas using some of the most well known managers in UK football over the years.

Task-Oriented Leadership in UK Football

Task-oriented leadership in football involves setting clear objectives, creating strategic game plans, and ensuring players understand and execute their roles on the pitch. This type of leadership is often associated with managers who emphasise tactics, discipline, and a strong focus on achieving results.

Example: Jose Mourinho at Chelsea

During his first tenure at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho exemplified task-oriented leadership. Renowned for his tactical expertise and attention to detail, Mourinho set clear objectives from the start, famously declaring himself the “Special One” who had come to win titles. His leadership style focused on meticulous game preparation, defensive solidity, and a clear division of roles among players.

Under Mourinho’s leadership, Chelsea won two consecutive Premier League titles. His task-centric approach ensured that players were always clear on their responsibilities and expectations, driving them to execute the game plan precisely. However, this heavy focus on tasks sometimes came at the expense of team dynamics and individual relationships, highlighting the importance of balancing all three areas, as Adair’s model suggests.

Team-Oriented Leadership in UK Football

Team-oriented leadership emphasizes creating a strong sense of unity, cooperation, and mutual support within the squad. In football, this involves building team spirit, managing conflicts, and ensuring that the team works cohesively towards common goals.

Example: Claudio Ranieri and Leicester City

Claudio Ranieri’s leadership of Leicester City during their 2015-16 Premier League-winning season is a good example of team-oriented leadership. Ranieri took over a team that had narrowly escaped relegation the previous season and turned them into champions against all odds. His approach was not heavily focused on tactical complexity but rather on building a strong, unified team culture.

Ranieri fostered a positive atmosphere where every player felt valued, and the team played with a sense of freedom and enjoyment. He maintained an approachable demeanor, regularly engaging in light-hearted interactions that kept morale high. Ranieri’s belief in his players and his emphasis on teamwork allowed Leicester to play as a cohesive unit, where each player understood their role in contributing to the collective success. This team-centric approach, with Ranieri often deflecting praise onto his players, perfectly illustrates Adair’s principle of the importance of team cohesion.

Individual-Oriented Leadership in UK Football

Individual-oriented leadership in football involves recognising and nurturing the unique talents, needs, and motivations of each player. This aspect of Adair’s model focuses on personal development, tailored coaching, and providing support to help players reach their full potential.

Example: Arsène Wenger at Arsenal

Arsène Wenger’s leadership at Arsenal is a standout example of individual-focused leadership. Known for his ability to develop young talent, Wenger was instrumental in nurturing players like Thierry Henry, Cesc Fàbregas, and Robin van Persie. He placed significant emphasis on individual skill development, nutrition, and mental well-being, understanding that each player required personalised guidance to excel.

Wenger’s approach helped young players thrive, and Arsenal became known for its attractive, attacking style during his tenure. His focus on individual needs extended beyond the tactical realm, empowering players to express themselves on the pitch. This individual-oriented leadership was central to Arsenal’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including their historic unbeaten league season in 2003-04.

Balancing Task, Team, and Individual Needs: The Key to Success in UK Football

Adair’s Action-Centred Leadership model teaches that effective leaders balance task achievement, team cohesion, and individual needs. In football, this balance is crucial; focusing too heavily on one area can lead to issues in others. For instance, a manager who prioritises tactics exclusively may neglect team morale, while an overemphasis on individual player needs can disrupt overall team unity.

Example: Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s leadership at Manchester City is an great example of balancing all three elements of Adair’s model. Guardiola combines a meticulous task-oriented approach with a strong emphasis on team dynamics and an acute understanding of individual players’ needs.

Guardiola’s task focus is evident in his innovative tactics, characterised by a possession-based style of play, tactical flexibility, and relentless pursuit of perfection. His approach ensures that the team’s objectives are clear, and each match is meticulously planned. Guardiola’s attention to tactical detail has led Manchester City to multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups.

However, Guardiola’s success goes beyond tactics; he is also known for fostering a strong team ethos. He emphasises the importance of every player’s role, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. Guardiola often engages in team-building activities and promotes an inclusive environment where players feel connected and motivated.

On the individual level, Guardiola excels at tailoring his approach to suit each player’s needs. Whether it’s adapting roles to maximise a player’s strengths, as seen with Kevin De Bruyne’s evolution into one of the best midfielders in the world, or giving young players like Phil Foden the confidence and opportunities to develop, Guardiola’s individual focus is a core part of his leadership style.

Guardiola’s balanced approach, which integrates task, team, and individual leadership, has been key to Manchester City’s dominance in English football and their ongoing pursuit of European success.

Challenges and Limitations in UK Football

While Adair’s Action-Centred Leadership model is highly applicable in football, it comes with challenges. The high-pressure environment of football often prioritises immediate results over long-term development. Injuries, intense media scrutiny, and the constant need for success can disrupt the delicate balance between task, team, and individual needs. Furthermore, managing diverse personalities within a squad—each with distinct backgrounds, egos, and expectations—requires continuous adjustment and emotional intelligence from the leader.

Conclusion

John Adair’s Action-Centred Leadership model offers a valuable framework for effective leadership in UK football by emphasising the importance of balancing task achievement, team cohesion, and individual development. From the task-focused approach of Jose Mourinho to the team-building efforts of Claudio Ranieri and the individual nurturing by Arsène Wenger, UK football provides numerous examples of how Adair’s principles can be applied to achieve success.

The strength of Adair’s model lies in its adaptability and holistic view of leadership. In football, as in any team environment, success is not just about winning matches—it’s about creating a supportive team culture and nurturing individual talent. By embracing this balanced approach, football leaders can guide their teams to excel, build lasting legacies, and achieve memorable victories on and off the pitch. Pep Guardiola’s balanced leadership style exemplifies the importance of maintaining this equilibrium, demonstrating that in the complex world of football, effective leadership requires more than just tactical acumen—it demands a comprehensive understanding of the team and its individuals.