I often get asked what Sir Alex was good at and I end up giving different answer every time. However I started a couple of weeks ago to write down my thoughts on what it was, relating it to how I use some of his learnings in my businesses.
Here you go:
1. You have a choice everyday. Work as hard as you can and never give in. Thats your choice. Accountability for your own attitude.
2. Donât bump difficult conversations down the road. If he left someone out of the team he spoke to them 1 on 1. Donât leave people wondering whatâs happening, itâs devastating.
3. Trust your team. He delegated to his HODâs (Medical, Coaching, Sports Science etc) and never once stepped in front of them or undermined them in the 25 years I was there.
4. Clear goals set. Everyone knew what we had to achieve and how we were going to do it. He was like the guardrails in ten pin bowling for kids to not let the ball go down the alley.
5. Create a great environment. Built a new training ground, food, gyms. Donât give your team excuses! We had the best! But it was challenging also being in that environment because you had to deliver.
6. Consistency of message. His team talk was in 3 parts, the first was to inspire, the second attended to opposition strengths and third was how we are going to win
7. Gave us an edge! He created an Island and didnât let anyone on, that siege mentality, remember your roots and your family, be proud of each other and finally donât let anyone down!
8. Believe in young people and give them a chance, they will amaze you. Theyâll run through barbed wire fences for you rather than walking an age to find a stile
9. The Bollocking or the fierce stare. This was branded the Hairdryer. It was ferocious and intimidating. But simply you had to be able to withstand it and thrive. It came once or twice a year my way. I needed it. I used to use this as a reset and a moment to reflect and go again!
10. Compassion. If you had a personal issue he dropped football and dealt with it with empathy
11. Donât undermine him or attempt to assume control. In business, if you have someone that isnât aligned and causing the negativity disease to spread you must get rid asap!
12. Equality. He made everyone feel special in the club whether it be the kitman, the star striker or the groundsman. He knew everyoneâs name, it was mesmerising and he also remember wifeâs, husbands, mums and dadâs names. Iâm rubbish at this and it blew my mind how much he would be able to recall.
Here you go:
1. You have a choice everyday. Work as hard as you can and never give in. Thats your choice. Accountability for your own attitude.
2. Donât bump difficult conversations down the road. If he left someone out of the team he spoke to them 1 on 1. Donât leave people wondering whatâs happening, itâs devastating.
3. Trust your team. He delegated to his HODâs (Medical, Coaching, Sports Science etc) and never once stepped in front of them or undermined them in the 25 years I was there.
4. Clear goals set. Everyone knew what we had to achieve and how we were going to do it. He was like the guardrails in ten pin bowling for kids to not let the ball go down the alley.
5. Create a great environment. Built a new training ground, food, gyms. Donât give your team excuses! We had the best! But it was challenging also being in that environment because you had to deliver.
6. Consistency of message. His team talk was in 3 parts, the first was to inspire, the second attended to opposition strengths and third was how we are going to win
7. Gave us an edge! He created an Island and didnât let anyone on, that siege mentality, remember your roots and your family, be proud of each other and finally donât let anyone down!
8. Believe in young people and give them a chance, they will amaze you. Theyâll run through barbed wire fences for you rather than walking an age to find a stile
9. The Bollocking or the fierce stare. This was branded the Hairdryer. It was ferocious and intimidating. But simply you had to be able to withstand it and thrive. It came once or twice a year my way. I needed it. I used to use this as a reset and a moment to reflect and go again!
10. Compassion. If you had a personal issue he dropped football and dealt with it with empathy
11. Donât undermine him or attempt to assume control. In business, if you have someone that isnât aligned and causing the negativity disease to spread you must get rid asap!
12. Equality. He made everyone feel special in the club whether it be the kitman, the star striker or the groundsman. He knew everyoneâs name, it was mesmerising and he also remember wifeâs, husbands, mums and dadâs names. Iâm rubbish at this and it blew my mind how much he would be able to recall.
