Leadership Analysis of Alex Ferguson

Running head: LEADERSHIP ANALYSIS OF ALEX FERGUSON
LEADERSHIP ANALYSIS OF ALEX FERGUSON
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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LEADERSHIP ANALYSIS OF ALEX FERGUSON
Response to Question 1.
The assignment question is based on the article Ferguson’s Formula which is the epitome
of successful lessons. Alex Ferguson is one of the most acquainted names in English football and
an avid manager who has always been gracefully managed each of his game and thus develops a
high stature in his life. The virtuoso has spent over 25 long years in the Manchester United
designated as manager and backed 12 titles of Premier League, crowned for Champions League,
five trophies in FA Cup and many more (Harvard Business Review, 2019).The article specifies
some important elements for Alex Ferguson’s success which can be put forward as under:
Adjustable and flexible nature
The most important qualities found in a leader is the nature to adjust in every situations
and circumstances. Sir Alex Ferguson has lived with the same principle while he used to manage
himself and the team to perform in the adverse weather conditions and other pressures and
threats from surroundings (Khan, 2017). He used to manage the unfavorable weather of February
for English football and on the other end also coped up with the sultry climate in the month of
May for continental football or even the rapid interchange among the two. He has that ability to
make everyone his followers and lead the team himself towards the requirements depending on
the surroundings.
To Begin with Clarity
As when Ferguson conquered Manchester United which was the culture out there for
drinking in clubs, he knew that this would harm in forming a prosperous team (Harvard Business
Review, 2019). The players were being asked to stop this practice. The ones who changed
remained in the team and others were replaced by the younger players. Without any delay he
settled down his tent out. In the beginning, one is subjected to be noticed by everyone and once

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LEADERSHIP ANALYSIS OF ALEX FERGUSON
the performance met the expectation then that person is regarded as the leader and a solution for
all other problems. Ferguson showed his best on the first day and since then he became the
pioneer for all.
Respect everyone
This is the key function that a leader tends to have and this completes the adjective of
leadership. Respecting everyone is the virtue that the leader must have. Just like, Alex Ferguson
used to do in the club. He used to talk and respect everyone and remembered everybody’s name
be it the payers, laundry people, cooks, receptionists, and other major and minor staffs
(Antonakis and Day, 2017). For him everybody matters as they all contribute somewhere or the
other in the team’s success.
To be disciplined
Ferguson was the man full of discipline and also an example for time management and
responsibility. He arrived to the club earlier than any other people. The standards set by him was
full of ethics and involves hard work (Harvard Business Review, 2019).This has been one of the
major factors of success in his story.
Priority to team
He always prioritized the team and believes all are equal and are only entitled to different
positions (Harvard Business Review, 2019). He hates underestimating in disguise of one’s
positions and powers. No one should suppress the others not even the captain.
Developing others
He is the figure of inspiration. He takes proactive measure to always keep things simple
and aligned to modernity (Castelli, 2016). Players have short span of life for playing so he keeps

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LEADERSHIP ANALYSIS OF ALEX FERGUSON
the young talents ready to incorporate them into teams. He used to motivate people everyone for
generating team spirits and work hard together for the team.
Significance of details
There is a lot of importance regarding the details. He used to train his players to feel
proud of representing the Manchester United (Meuser et al., 2016). He was very keen about each
and every detailing that his players must be neatly dressed, to follow the standards and know the
expectations of people.
Aware of people
He was well aware of those people with whom he worked (Harvard Business Review,
2019). He respects everyone and know them and their families. Even starting with the laundry
staff, hair dryer etc.
Prioritize the Family
Apart from being responsible and strict n his duties, he always prioritize family over
anything. He knows that, no business or football is as important as the family (Baltaci and Balcı,
2017). This was understood from an incident, when he considered leaving Ronaldo from the
team due to his father’s casualty of coma in London. Despite of the crucial moments of
Champion’s League he considered the fact and prioritize his family issues.
Response to Question 2.
Alex Ferguson’s leadership style can be defined as the transactional style of leadership
due to the characteristics of toughness, aggressiveness and loyalty along with the high moral
standards and determination for the players of his team (Kiersch and Peters, 2017). The reason I
described Ferguson as a transactional leader because his team players and many others who
considers him as the inspiration regards him a person with strong determination and a