Lessons in Management

I love Manchester United. I come from Manchester and have supported them since I was first able to speak. (I’m also a proud supporter of Leicester City, my adopted home ☺). So it has been hard to support United through the flawed management years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. But maybe there’s hope.

Have a look at the management style of the new caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. There are lessons here for all of us.

1. On the first day in the job, bringing Norwegian chocolate bars for all the backroom staff

2. Going unannounced to a staff party that same day and meeting as many of the backroom staff as possible

3.  Calling Mike Phelan, once Ferguson’s right hand man, and asking for his help

4.  Retaining the services of Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna as his support staff, ensuring the best from the previous era is maintained

5. Developing a good relationship with the press from the beginning, being available as much as possible, arranging a regular date and time for press conferences

6. Visiting the Women’s team, talking to as many as possible

7. Stopping for photo’s with the parents of the youth team boys 

8. Donating his watch to a charity auction, raising £32,000

9. Attending a Manchester function being run by rivals Manchester City, supporting the charities they were supporting

10. Attending the annual Munich air crash memorial service in smart attire

11. Keeping in regular contact with Sir Alex, asking advice as and when needed

12. Not being afraid to challenge the players but keeping all criticism behind closed doors

13. Talking to Nicky Butt, the Academy manager, as soon as possible, ensuring young players get promotion to the first team (two so far)

14. Positively motivating the players, encouraging attacking football

15. Playing to the players strengths

16. Recognising the Club’s history

17. Showing enthusiasm at all times

18. Smiling

His record at the time of this blog is 10 wins and 1 draw. If he gets the job permanently,this will be why.