What makes an effective captain?
Does leading by example require a loud voice on and off the pitch and a 'larger than life' character? Or will a team go into battle for a gentle leader?
Personally, I think there is a lot of to admire about quiet leadership.
Effective leaders take their teams on a journey with them by establishing strong bonds built upon trust. They do this by being authentic and honest and by empowering those they lead to be the best versions of themselves.
In turn, the team respects the leader and is willing to invest in this shared journey, as they believe in its purpose.
So, it does not bother me that Son Heung-min prefers not to shout at his players when things are not going well.
I do not want Son to be a bully. I want him to lead by example. I want him to be consistent and intentional â to demonstrate the right thing to do in the right moment.
Like the rest of the squad, Sonny has struggled with consistency this season and looks exhausted from a relentless and unforgiving campaign. However, can we see the best of him in every game that is left, and what does this look like?
Unsurprisingly, there is a lack of confidence in the squad right now. When the heads around him start to drop, Son needs to demonstrate confidence and show his team how to fight.
He can do this by purposely moving play forward, by unlocking low blocks with his speed of thought â even if the speed in his legs is starting to falter â and by finding the right pass.
If Son can elicit better performances from others by giving more of himself on a consistent basis, he can empower his team towards success.
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