What's Your Management Style--S***r Bowl Coaches

This report appeared in my Chairman's Report in the GLMV Action News, March 2007
www.glmvchamber.org

Shortly before the recent championship football game, which shall go unnamed because the NFL owns and enforces the copyright, the Wall Street Journal printed an article about effective management styles. It happens that both coaches in that game have something in common besides their race--their management styles.

Both Lovie Smith, from Big Sandy, Texas (named after an old girlfriend of mine) and the other guy, have motivated their respective teams to play tough, disciplined football without yelling, screaming profanities and otherwise belittling their players. I'm sure that Vince Lombardi and George Halas, looking down on that game must be doing double takes.

The coaches in that game have demonstrated that directing their players calmly and treating them with respect has paid big dividends.

That lesson applies in your business also. If you're the boss with the explosive temper, you might get some short term goals realized, but in the long run, you will have more turnover among employees and low morale which will cost you. Can you spell l-a-w-s-u-i-t? Your customers will pick up on that and vote with their feet.

Set goals, give your people some responsibillity, let them know what is expected of them, and they will produce. People do make mistakes, but hopefully they learn from those mistakes. Show confidence in your people and don't make them terrified to make mistakes, and they will realize their full potential to the benefit of your business.

So I look forward to seeing the improved Rex Grossman back next season, leading the Bears to that game again.

KENNETH SUSKIN