I must admit that I am a soccer (aka world football) fanatic. I played a primitive version of it in high school and two of my three kids played the sport at the club and ODP levels. My oldest was even her Division I college captain as a senior. Since I retired in 2014, I've been so happy to have the time to watch almost all of the World Cup matches and was especially captivated by watching this year's world's best demonstrate tremendous skill, drive and heart.
This moment may have been lost on most viewers who turned away from the finals after France defeated Croatia 4-2. While most of the attention focused on the celebrations of the winners -- both team and fans -- I was inspired and touched by the reaction from the President of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.
Dressed in her team's classic red-and-white checkerboard jersey, she was present at every victory to cheer them on and bask in their accomplishments. When the final was over and Croatia was left to reckon with the deep disappointment of defeat, Grabar-Kitarović was as present and supportive as she’d been during their ascent. A hard rain began falling during the final award ceremony and, as her security rushed to put umbrellas up over everyone's head, Grabar-Kitarović stood in the rain to shake the hand of every player.
It seems common sense that a leader should be "one among many" rather than "one set apart" -- down on the pitch inspiring, encouraging, commiserating, demonstrating, being present.
However, others might point out that those tasks were the responsibility of the team captain or the manager; or, because she had risen to the role of president, it was beneath her to come down from the protection of her viewing booth to embrace a team who had fallen short of their goal ... let alone stand in the rain unshielded from the fans, the elements or the situation.
Common sense said that she should do what she did. Many others, however, would not have.
Facing all the elements and projecting a positive presence in times of disappointment is one of a leader’s most important tasks.
And that made all the difference!!
