Case Application #2: Serving up leaders

Tatiana Vélez R

1. What leadership theories do you feel Ferguson’s actions support?

The best leadership theories that Ferguson’s actions support are:
- Fiedler contingency model: as the definition states, is how an effective group performance depends
on the proper match between the leader’s style and the degree to which the situation allowed the
leader to control and influence. When Fergurson joined Manchester it helped him to have definite
ideas of how he wanted to build the group, by connecting with the players and showing them that
he was there to work and help them aim to success (for example him being the first into the office
and the last to leave). He managed to abolish the drinking culture and increase the players’
feelings of commitment, belonging, and the way they represent the team.
- Path-goal theory: where a leader’s job is to assists employees in attaining their goals and provide
direction and support needed to ensure that their goals are compatible with the organization’s.
Ferguson showed to be a king of a leader to vary the way he approaches some players, he
showed how this was necessary implant discipline in players and ensure a positive working
relationship. Fergurson deals with any issue immediately and moves on.
2. What leadership traits can you see being demonstrated in the case?
- Drive: Ferguson shows to have a high desire for achievement, has a lot of energy, and is persistent
in the activities of the team. This is shown how he attends the locker rooms, expressing is high
expectations and motivating the team, and especially knowing how to communicate with each
player.
- Desire to lead: He has a strong desire to influence and lead the team, and shows the willingness to
take responsibility. Ferguson shows this by being the first to enter and last to leave the office, and
no matter what, he addresses issues immediately in order to move on.
- Extraversion: Fergurson is energetic and rarely silent or withdrawn. He has been seen shouting at
the players in the dressing room to communicate what’s expected of them, and journalists confirm
that he’s not only like this (meaning he not being reserved with his opinion) with the players.
- Intelligence:
3. To what degree has emotional intelligence played a part in Alex Ferguson’s success?
Emotional intelligence is shown in Fergurson on how he has self-awareness, self-management, and motivational
characteristics, without these he wouldn’t be such a respected leader and so confident with his ideas and
expectations. He might not have the best social skills with the journalist and does have an authoritative style, but he’s
not scared of saying what he believes and what needs to be done. Fergurson does show to have empathy, in the
way he analyzes and learns how to communicate and motivate each of the players. Alex Ferguson has gotten to
where he is by having many characteristics but especially having such stable emotional intelligence.
4. What do you see as the possible problems of varying the leadership approach with different
players?
Personally I believe that when managers learn how to interact with each employee, it shows how dedicated they are
for not only the success of the company but also for the well being of the workers. This can be seen as problematic in
some cases, due to the fact that some people might think the manager is doing “favorites” and might disagree with
how they’re all not treated equally. In extended cases, this might create a tense and negative environment for the
company.