27 successful years as the manager of Manchester United is enough time for Sir Alex Ferguson to become a legend. Count the titles in and you have one of the most successful company managers worldwide, in terms of commitment, sustainable approach to business and revenues.
It seems that startups and entrepreneurs in general have a lot to learn from Sir Alex. Let’s see some examples:
1. Persistence and hard work
In 1986 when Sir Alex started coaching Man U only a few expected his success. He managed to prove that hard work and patience are exactly what a man needs in order to make things happen.
2. Patience
Don’t you think that for 27 years as the Manager of Man U Sir Alex had a lot of problems to face? Don’t you think he had a lot of crazy people to deal with? Do you know how many times he thought of quitting? Not only he did not just stop at any point, but he retired only when he was sure the team is read to change manager.
Sir Alex said: “It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so. The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long- term future of the club remains a bright one.”
3. Trust
In a company you must trust the people you work with. Otherwise growth and success will become even more distant. No one can succeed only by himself.
Sir Alex said: “As for my players and staff, past and present, I would like to thank them all for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich. In my early years, the backing of the board, and Sir Bobby Charlton in particular, gave me the confidence and time to build a football club, rather than just a football team.”
4. Momentum
Another important factor for startup success is momentum. Obviously, momentum is not only just luck. It is all about being clever and capable enough to work efficiently in an environment that is ready to accept your talent, your idea and your approach to executing this idea.
Sir Alex said: “Over the past decade, the Glazer family have provided me with the platform to manage Manchester United to the best of my ability and I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with a talented and trustworthy chief executive in David Gill. I am truly grateful to all of them.”
5. Make sure your work has an impact
The work you do for your startup is important that it has a serious impact on you, on your team, on your product or service or on the market. While this is extremely difficult to achieve you can make it through strategy.
David Gill (the outgoing Man U Chief Executive) said for Sir Alex: “The way he cares for this club, his staff and for the football family in general is something that I admire. It is a side to him that is often hidden from public view but it is something that I have been privileged to witness in the last 16 years. What he has done for this club and for the game in general will never be forgotten. It has been the greatest experience of my working life being alongside Alex and a great honour to be able to call him a friend.”
Sir Alex’s and David Gill’s words are taken from the Guardian. Click here for the relevant article
