Creating Space: Leading with Others in Mind

In the game of soccer, and many invasion sports, the concept of space defines the flow and success of a match. At an advanced level, players learn that it’s not just about finding space for themselves to gain an advantage, it’s about creating space for others. The most effective teams are those where players selflessly make runs, draw defenders, and open opportunities for their teammates to thrive.

This principle of creating space extends far beyond the field. In life, creating space can govern our habits, behaviours, and interactions with others. By deliberately making room, whether in our environments, minds, or relationships, we unlock opportunities for growth, innovation, and connection.

Creating Space for Ourselves

To grow and thrive, we first need to clear the clutter from our own lives. Whether it’s a messy workspace or a chaotic to-do list, decluttering allows us to focus and invite new ideas and opportunities. Steve Jobs once said, “Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” By simplifying and clearing our mental and physical space, we create an environment for innovation to flourish.

Beyond the physical space, consider the limiting beliefs or unproductive habits that might be holding you back. Like a soccer team that shifts its formation to adapt and create openings, we must let go of thoughts, ideas and mental models that may no longer serves us. This can involve challenging self-doubt or stepping away from comfort zones to make room for personal development.

Creating Space for Others

In leadership, one of the most profound actions we can take is to create space for others to grow. Just as a soccer player makes a decoy run to pull defenders away, leaders must provide opportunities for their teammates or peers to shine. High-performance leadership is about removing obstacles and creating an environment where others can try, fail, and ultimately succeed.

Think about Pep Guardiola, a master tactician in soccer, who empowers his players to trust their instincts within a structured system. Guardiola’s teams are renowned for their ability to create space, not just for the individual, but for the team as a collective. His approach underscores a key lesson: when we create space for others to be their authentic selves, their potential is limitless.

Practical Applications

Over the Holiday Break - Create Space Like a Midfielder: Just as Andrés Iniesta would drop deep to receive the ball and create passing lanes, take time to step back from your daily routines. Clear your schedule for reflection, just as a player creates space by drawing defenders away. "The space between the lines is a place where you can think."

1. Declutter Your Space: Use the holiday downtime to organize your home or workspace. Clean out old files, donate unused items, and create a clear, welcoming environment for the new year.

2. Reflect and Reset: Take time to journal or meditate on the past year. Identify what limiting beliefs or habits you’re ready to leave behind and set intentions for the year ahead.

3. Prioritize Connection: Reach out to friends, family, or teammates. Creating space for meaningful conversations can strengthen relationships and foster new ideas.

4. Plan for Growth: Set aside time to strategize for personal or professional development in the coming year. Block off time in your calendar for reading, learning, or pursuing a new skill.

Heading into the New Year - Build Your Formation: Like a manager designing their team's structure, create a framework for your goals. Just as players know their roles in a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formation, define clear positions and responsibilities for yourself in different areas of life.

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Identify one area where you’d like to stretch yourself and actively seek out opportunities to grow.

2. Create a Vision Board: Visualize your goals and dreams for the year, using images and words to inspire and guide your actions.

3. Establish New Habits: Focus on small, manageable changes that align with your bigger goals. For example, start each day by organizing your tasks or setting a positive intention.

How Leaders Can Create Space for Others

Creating Team Success - Master the Give-and-Go: Just as this classic soccer combination requires trust and timing, build relationships where you both give support and receive it. Sir Alex Ferguson noted, "The credit for my success goes to the players who put their trust in me."

1. Foster a Safe Environment: Encourage open communication by showing vulnerability and being approachable. Leaders who admit their own mistakes model the importance of growth through failure.

2. Empower Decision-Making: Delegate responsibilities and allow others to take ownership of tasks. Support them with guidance but give them the freedom to make choices.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes: Recognize and reward the process of trying, even when the results fall short. This builds confidence and encourages continuous learning.

4. Provide Constructive Feedback: Create opportunities for growth by giving feedback that is actionable and framed positively. Pair criticism with encouragement and resources for improvement.

5. Offer Opportunities for Development: Identify ways for individuals to take on new challenges, such as leading a project, participating in training, or contributing to a team initiative.

6. Be the Safety Net: Just like a midfielder who supports the attack but stays ready to defend, leaders should be there to provide guidance and support when risks don’t pan out.

Final Reflections

Just as soccer players don’t always see immediate rewards for the space they create, the benefits of creating space in life can take time to manifest. But the ripple effects are undeniable. When we create space, for ourselves and for others, we build stronger teams, foster deeper connections, and open pathways to progress and creativity.

As Johann Cruyff once said, “Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is.” Creating space, on the field and in life, might seem simple, but it requires intention, patience, and trust. Yet it is in this simplicity that we find the power to transform, grow, and lead.

Let this week be about creating space. For yourself, for your work, and for those around you. The results might just surprise you.

Bonus Weekly Challenge

This week, think like a playmaker. Choose one area of your life where you can create space for others to succeed. Kevin De Bruyne's philosophy: "The best assist is the one that makes the goal look easy." How can you make others' success look effortless through your support?

Start with:

1. Identifying one "defender" (obstacle) you can draw away for someone else

2. Creating a daily "training schedule" that includes both action and reflection

3. Finding one opportunity to be someone else's wall pass

Creating space takes patience, vision, and trust. The immediate reward might not be obvious, but the long-term impact is game-changing.

"Football is the most important of the less important things in life" - Carlo Ancelotti. The same principles that make great teams work can make your life work better too.

Make this week count. Create the space. Trust the process. Watch the opportunities unfold.