Sarina Wiegman: The Leadership Playbook Every Leader Needs

Sarina Wiegman is an inspiration and icon not only to Women’s Football but to women everywhere.  We’ve been contemplating what makes Wiegman’s leadership so effective. Her approach is a masterclass in clarity, empathy, and resilience, creating a culture where every player feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Football is a game of leadership

Here’s what has worked for her and the team, and what we think through our own experience, leaders can implement in the workplace based on her approach:

Clarity of Vision and Consistency: Wiegman sets clear expectations and lives them. “We agreed a couple of things on behaviours. They weren’t words, we lived it.” She acts decisively when plans shift, mirroring the agility required in business to pivot fast without losing sight of the goal.

Businesses should define a compelling mission statement, integrate it into daily routines, and ensure everyone knows the direction and path to get there. This builds a culture of trust and togetherness.

Empathetic Leadership and High Expectations: She blends honesty and empathy. Mary Earps said, “Sarina came in, and life changed… she really understood where I came from.” This highlights the importance of creating trust as a leader without compromising standards.

Companies should  “lead with integrity.” Hold people to stretch goals, but coach through active listening, genuine curiosity, and real-time support.

Psychological Safety and Resilience: She gives players the confidence to make and learn from their mistakes. This is exactly how innovation happens in the workplace.  Celebrate small wins, debrief setbacks, and reinforce positive behaviours through consistent feedback and  check-ins.

Shared Purpose Over Ego: Her philosophy? Success for the team leads to success for the individual. This mindset builds resilient, collaborative teams and a shared sense of belonging that naturally attracts and retains the right people.

Feedback as a Two-Way Street: Wiegman encourages honest conversations. Not rude, just direct, which is how trust is built in any team. Set clear communication standards and have regular face-to-face interactions, open feedback channels, and defined and respectful responses.

Talent Management and Team-First Mentality: She prioritises team cohesion over individual stardom: “If you want to perform longer-term, it’s all about playing as a team.” This focuses on roles and not egos therefore aligning individual strengths to team objectives.

Whether you’re leading a team through change, coaching through uncertainty, or building a culture of belonging, there’s something in Sarina’s playbook for us all.

Call to Action for Leaders: Reflect on your leadership style and consider how you can incorporate these principles into your own approach. Engage with your team, set clear expectations, foster a culture of trust, and prioritise collective success. Let's elevate our leadership game.

Special Note for Start-ups and SMEs: The principles outlined here are particularly relevant for Start-ups and SMEs. In the fast-paced and often resource-constrained environments of smaller businesses, clarity, empathy, and resilience are crucial. By fostering a culture of trust, encouraging innovation through psychological safety, and prioritising team cohesion, Start-ups and SMEs can build strong, agile teams that are well-equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.