(Michael Carrick and the Danger of Waiting for Titles)
Let’s talk about Michael Carrick.
Not “Sir Alex 2.0.” Not “the long-term project.” Just Interim Head Coach the football version of “I’m holding the fort until the real boss arrives.”
Yet somehow… Manchester City beaten 2–0 Arsenal humbled 3–2 at the Emirates (first time since 2017, by the way) Unbeaten run Dressing room listening Fans whispering, “Maybe this guy?”
All this without the big title.
And that’s where the lesson hits harder than a Casemiro tackle.
INTERIM IA A TITLE. IMPACT IA A CHOICE.
Carrick didn’t walk into Old Trafford saying, “Relax guys, I’m just interim. Let me not overdo things.”
No. He walked in and said (through actions): “Give me the job. I’ll give you results.”
No long CV flexing. No press conference philosophy essays. Just decisions. Execution. Calm leadership.
Same players. Same pressure. Different outcome.
Why?
Because leadership doesn’t wait for permission.
AFRICAN OFFICES ARE FULL OF “INTERIMS” WHO ACT PERMANENT… IN FEAR
Let’s bring this home.
In African businesses, we have:
- Acting managers who refuse to act
- Deputies waiting to be confirmed before performing
- Team leaders hiding behind job descriptions
- Professionals saying, “That’s above my pay grade”
Meanwhile, the business is leaking money like a electricity transformer in the rain.
Carrick shows us something brutal:
Titles don’t give authority. Competence does.
THE CORNER OFFICE MYTH
Many people think leadership starts after promotion.
Wrong.
Promotion usually comes after leadership has already been demonstrated.
Carrick didn’t say: “Once you give me the permanent job, I’ll beat City.”
He beat City first.
That’s how life works. That’s how business works. That’s how trust is built.
WHY SOME PUNDITS ARE STILL NERVOUS
Yes, people like Roy Keane are saying: “United need an experienced manager.”
Fair point.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Sometimes experience is just a long history of doing average things confidently.
Fresh hunger + clear thinking + calm execution can embarrass experience that has grown comfortable.
Carrick isn’t loud. He isn’t dramatic. He just gets results.
And results make noise on their own.
THE REAL LESSON (WRITE THIS DOWN)
- Don’t wait to be promoted to add value
- Don’t wait for the title to think like a leader
- Don’t wait for confirmation to take responsibility
If you act like a leader before the promotion… the promotion starts chasing you.
Michael Carrick may be interim on paper but his impact is already permanent.
And that’s the real game.
If your team is talented but inconsistent, If performance depends on moods instead of systems, If you’re tired of managing egos instead of building results, then it’s time to fix the foundation.
We help businesses build **disciplined teams, strong sales systems, clear leadership structures, and execution-focused cultures **that don’t collapse under pressure.
Call / WhatsApp us +263 77 961 9739 | +260 972 936 033 to book: • Sales Training • Leadership & Culture Development • Business Systems & Execution Strategy • Team Performance Coaching
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