Jürgen Klopp: Sieben Leadership-Lehren, die sich Chefs von ihm abschauen können

Jürgen Klopp, the new Bundestrainer of Germany, has several key leadership lessons that business leaders can learn from, according to WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management's leadership expert Roman Briker.

Klopp's charisma and joy in winning are a major part of his leadership style. He leads his team with confidence, even in challenging situations, believing that success is still possible. This same principle was seen in his last Dortmund season when the team was at a historically weak 17th place, but Klopp managed to keep his position and lead the team to qualify for the European Cup.

Klopp's ability to identify and nurture undiscovered talent is another lesson for business leaders. When he started at Dortmund in 2008, he didn't have the budget for star players, so he built a team around players who others overlooked. This approach paid off when he led Dortmund to the 2011 Bundesliga title.

Klopp also emphasizes the importance of honesty in building trust. When he took over Liverpool in 2015, the club had a long history of failure. Klopp didn't sugarcoat the situation, but instead promised to turn the club around, even if it meant admitting that change would take time. This honesty helped to build trust with the players and staff, leading to eight titles during his tenure.

Finally, Klopp teaches the importance of knowing when to step down. In January 2024, he announced his departure from Liverpool, despite his contract not ending until 2026. He explained that he no longer had the energy to continue in the same intensity. Despite his health being good, he understood that leading such a demanding job in a consistent manner was impossible. This decision allowed Arne Slot to take over and manage the club in a more sustainable way.