'Thrilled'

René Redzepi, the head chef of one of the world’s best restaurants, Noma, is stepping down. For years, he and his team have stood head and shoulders above the rest in creating culinary sensations. He’s stepping down because “he doesn’t want to play it safe.” He’s looking for a new direction for Noma, with less grueling workweeks and more room for his interest in food production.

Jurgen Klopp, head coach of one of the world’s best soccer clubs, Liverpool, is stepping down. After giving 1000% for nine years—which resulted in numerous major titles—he says his energy is starting to run out. He wants the club and the fans to have a coach who can give it his all. He can no longer do that himself.

Two recent news stories with a similar message. Leading or managing at the highest level demands a great deal. Only when everything falls into place does it all work out. As an inspiring leader, that’s what you’re focused on, and you sacrifice a lot of other things in the process. Family life, health, …—it’s all in service of deeper motivations.

It’s still fascinating how much of an impact a single person can have on a team’s well-being and performance. It’s no wonder so many books have been written about leadership. And yet, it’s impossible to put into words. There’s no all-encompassing definition of “attractive.” Nor is there one for “always being there.” And I could go on and on.

Where true leadership exists, a sense of community is implicitly built. It takes years to get everything to fit together seamlessly, right down to the details necessary for sustainable success. And it can disappear in the blink of an eye. Ajax is a current example of this. But you will undoubtedly recognize many similar cases close to home: a team manager (male or female) who is primarily concerned with themselves, a director (male or female) who is focused solely on the short term, a manager (male or female) who wants to curry favor with the board, …

That’s why, as a source of inspiration, I’m dedicating this column to Jürgen Klopp. His explanation of his upcoming departure, live on television, came straight from the heart. Legendary television in which the viewer senses depth even through the flat TV screen. There’s flesh and blood there. It’s real. The fans’ reaction was spine-tingling; their chants carry the Liverpool community forward. Of course, Jurgen also has an ego and a bank account. But that’s not why he does what he does. He’s“enthusiastic,” to put it in proper German. Just like René with his Noma. You can feel it; you want to follow it; you want to be a part of it.

That is the essence of realizing a dream that is bigger than yourself. Being able to do something and wanting to do it, but above all, being something—setting a good example. The difference lies in the “how.” How you challenge, inspire, set boundaries, motivate, guide, and so on. The kind of appeal that inspires others to follow comes from the heart and soul. The ego cannot do that.

With his enthusiasm, Jurgen got the whole club on board. Loud cheering, endless tears, and a standing ovation—whether Liverpool wins the championship or not. Well done, Klopp!

— — —

Begeistert (German): inspired, passionate, enthusiastic, to inspire, enthusiastic