Can business leaders build teams like Alex Ferguson?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to look at the leadership lessons which can be learnt from Scottish soccer coach, Alex Ferguson.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the characteristics and methods of Alex Ferguson's leadership style and how managers in business can apply the wider principles that underlie them.

Findings

Just like football teams, businesses have long periods of fantastic success as well as times when winning titles or new business seems an unattainable goal. A great leader takes their team through good times and bad. With the enrolment and engagement of their people, they too can be a true leader and someone that people actively choose to commit to and follow.

Originality/value

The author believes that managers can learn much from Ferguson's principles of leadership.

Citation

Denton, A. (2013), "Can business leaders build teams like Alex Ferguson?", Strategic Direction, Vol. 29 No. 9, pp. 3-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-08-2013-0048