Carlo Ancelotti
Quite Leadership written by Chris Brady and Mike Forde
Quite Leadership:
"Quiet Leadership: Winning Hearts, Minds and Matches" by Carlo Ancelotti, with Chris Brady & Mike Forde is a masterclass in gentle authority. Key insight: The most successful coach in Champions League history proves you don't need to shout to be heard.
It begins on an Italian farm: "As a young boy growing up in poverty, did I ever imagine becoming a leader in a multimillion-pound global industry? " Of course not. All I wanted to do was play football." The foundations of humility were laid early.
Early lessons from his father:
➟ Learned discipline through daily work
➟ Value of money and hard work
➟ Importance of family bonds
➟ Respect and loyalty above all
These seeds would shape his entire leadership philosophy.
His first leadership test at Roma: "I was made captain at 25. I thought - does taking an armband and talking to referees make me a leader? No. Leadership isn't about what you say, but what you do."
A fundamental realisation.
The Milan years taught him the hierarchy of power: "There are 3 things you cannot control: ◍ The president
◍ The Supporters
◍ The media
So focus entirely on what you can: relationships with players."
His cultural awakening at Chelsea: In my first 10 meetings, they asked:
How do you manage?
How do you work with players?
What's your style?
The only club that did such deep diligence.
It changed how he viewed preparation forever.
Real Madrid brought his biggest test: "When you have Ronaldo, Bale, Modric - tactical knowledge isn't enough.
You must understand:
⁌ Their individual needs
⁌ Their collective ambitions
⁌ The balance between both
On managing the best: "Great players are great decision-makers. Your job isn't to diminish their talent to fit the team, but to raise the team to fit their talent."
A revolutionary approach to handling superstars.
The core of his philosophy emerged:
"I am convinced that 'getting things done' is linked to the speed and focus with which decisions are made." But always with calm deliberation, never rushed panic.”
His ultimate lesson after decades:
"My approach is born of the idea that a leader should not need to rant or rave or rule with an iron fist. Their power should be implicit."
Authority through respect, not fear.
The journey concludes with timeless wisdom:
"Leadership can be learned but cannot be imitated. If your natural inclination is to be quiet, calm and take care of others - it is unwise to try to be anyone else."
Be authentically you.
A masterclass in gentle power.
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