Anni Townend

The following post is the first in series. We want to hear from you about films that have inspired you as a leader, that you’ve really enjoyed and that have had you reflect on your leadership.

The short answer to this question is: Relationships. I am fascinated by relationships, in particular what makes for a big relationship and how brilliant leadership really does happen inside of big relationships. It was this fascination that had me watching the film The Damned United about Brian Clough and Leeds United, where he spent 44 days, on his own as manager of the club before being sacked. Clough is remembered by football fans as ‘the best manager England never had’ whilst others of you have probably never even heard of him.

It is the 44 days on his own as manager that is so striking. Clough had enjoyed a big relationship with his assistant manager, Peter Taylor, for many, many years. Until they went their separate ways after a huge fall out. They had been a team of two who inspired others to work together as a team, and importantly to want to be part of their success. Footballers would follow them wherever they went. People who worked with them describe there being a real spark between them. On his own Brian stumbled and eventually fell. He had no one to share the ups and downs with, no one to turn to when he felt dispirited, and he felt dispirited at Leeds.

In simple terms when he went on his own to Leeds, Clough turned away from the vital relationship which helped him be such a brilliant leader. He needed Taylor’s different qualities and skills. He thrived when there was that openness and trust and without it he quickly became isolated and ineffective. Thankfully after the Leeds debacle he apologised to Peter Taylor, and together they went on to inspire future generations of footballers and their success.

Leadership inquiry: take some time this week to think those people who support and challenge you and help you be your best. Who are they? What are the qualities and characteristics of these relationships? How can you grow these relationships? How have you thanked the people for their support and challenge?

And let us know what you have taken out of a film you have watched.

Learn more about Anni Townend, the author of this article – click here