What makes a great manager?

In these troubled times, the answer is critical – and to find out, you could do worse than to look at Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United manager is not the most trophy-laden in history because he is the best football tactician. There are better. The key to his success is his ability to survive and thrive in a company. First, you need to secure your position. He did that by learning about the club’s brand and turning himself from an employee into the embodiment of its values. He also cultivated every group within the club: chairman, fans, players and sponsors. He gathers information everywhere. He knows dozens of others managers, past and present; and like all dictators, he understands that information, plus fear, equals control.

William Montgomery is a regular contributor to television and radio on all aspects of leadership excellence. To find how he can help you and your business, please call his office on +44 333 666 1010.