Sarina Wiegman led the England Lionesses to yet another historic moment in July 2025.
In this back-to-back victory, the Lionesses became the first English team to retain a major international title on foreign soil. Beyond the trophies, accolades and headline grabbing wins, there’s something even more valuable: Wiegman’s leadership style. A masterclass in communication, trust and resilience, it’s one that business leaders can learn from and apply in their own workplaces. Her approach to managing a world-class football team translates to effective communication and leadership in other settings, with her style resonating as much in the office as it does on a football pitch.
Creating a trusted environment
Wiegman has built her coaching legacy on trust. She understands that peak performance happens only when players feel psychologically safe, valued and supported. This culture develops as a result of excellent communication, mutual respect and a willingness to really listen.
In the regular workplace, trust functions in the same way. When employees feel secure in expressing their opinions and giving feedback without fear of repercussions, they thrive. Leaders who foster this kind of environment will see stronger collaboration, better performance and greater innovation. Employees who trust their leaders are more likely to remain committed to shared goals.
Clarity, calm and consistency
Wiegman is renowned for her calm demeanour, even in the most high pressure moments, from a cup final to a penalty shootout. She communicates with clarity and ensures every player knows their role and responsibilities. This consistency reduces anxiety and allows the team to focus on the job in hand.
The same is true in the business world. Dealing with pressure in the workplace is part of modern leadership. Those who remain calm under pressure and continue to communicate clearly can guide their teams through uncertainty. Whether it’s navigating an economic downturn or adapting to new technologies, clarity and consistency provide the foundation for employee confidence and performance.
Emotional intelligence and personal connection
One of the most admired aspects of Wiegman’s management style is her emotional intelligence. She knows when to push and when to support. She makes it a priority to get to know each player as an individual – not just as an athlete, but as a person. In a recent interview, she explained how simple conversations built rapport. “Start with talking with each other and asking questions on and off the pitch,” she advised. “Every player, every human being, is different, so it’s good to learn about each other.”
In the workplace, emotional intelligence is a leadership superpower. Managers who understand their team members’ personalities, motivations and emotional state can build deeper relationships. This emotional connection fosters a positive culture where people feel seen and understood. In turn, this boosts morale, loyalty and performance.
Resilience and adaptive communication
During the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Wiegman’s leadership was tested to the limit. She lost key players to injury, including Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, before the tournament began. During the competition, Keira Walsh and Lauren James were also side-lined for key matches. Rather than crumble, Wiegman adapted by reshaping her tactics, changing formations and trusting her squad to step up. Her team responded with resilience under immense pressure throughout the whole tournament.
The ability to pivot, adjust plans and communicate new strategies is what sets her apart. In business, agility and resilience are essential. With the rapid rise of AI and other new technologies, the need for adaptability is even more urgent. Companies that communicate effectively during times of change, keeping teams aligned and engaged, will always outperform those that rely on rigid models.
Feedback as a growth tool
Sarina Wiegman is known for her commitment to feedback as a tool for continuous improvement. Her players are encouraged to be open, honest and constructive. England forward Alessia Russo described this positive attitude as enabling players to have “honest and upfront” conversations with their manager.
In all workplace settings, feedback is just as vital, because it builds accountability, fuels growth and enhances relationships. Creating a feedback-friendly culture starts at the top: leaders must demonstrate openness and transparency, seek out employee perspectives and use feedback as a way to build, rather than break, trust.
Values and teamwork over ego
One of Wiegman’s most powerful messages is that individual success is rooted in team victories. Every player understands they’re part of something bigger than themselves. The Lionesses’ unity is built on a shared purpose, mutual respect and the knowledge that everyone plays a role in achieving greatness.
This mindset is transformational in business. When leaders foster a culture that prioritises shared values and teamwork over individual egos, collaboration thrives. It’s not just about individual success – it’s about what the team achieves together. When that happens, everyone wins.
Does Wiegman’s style suit serviced offices?
Wiegman’s style is a perfect fit for today’s serviced office environments, which enable flexibility and a team-centric approach. These fast paced, collaborative spaces allow different teams and clients to work side by side. Her methods such as open communication, mutual trust, adaptability and personal growth translate directly. In a shared office setting, her emphasis on clarity and respect can help mould a productive, motivated and resilient workforce.
Studies show 85% of employees consider respect in the workplace as important as salary. A massive 94% want to stay longer with companies that invest in their training and personal growth, while 65% see a lack of development opportunities as a reason to look for a new job. By implementing Wiegman-inspired strategies, including regular check-ins, transparent communication and empowerment through trust, leaders can create a workplace culture that keeps team members engaged and thriving, even when under pressure.
A blueprint for modern leadership
In just four years, Wiegman has made history as England women’s football manager. From guiding the Lionesses to their first ever major title at Euro 2022 to defending it triumphantly at Euro 2025, she has proved that strong leadership, grounded in good communication and mutual trust, can change everything.
By embracing the principles she champions, leaders in every industry can build performing teams that are empowered, connected and ready to win.
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