INTERVIEW
How balancing your ‘ soldiers and artists ’ is key to success for any business , says Sunderland boss
Team player
Sunderland AFC head coach Tony Mowbray spoke to Wear Business consultant editor Rob Lawson about management , leadership and building a team .
PICTURES BY DAVID WOOD
T ony Mowbray is one of the most experienced head coaches working in English football – he ’ s also one of the most respected and popular figures in the game . And as someone who grew up and started his playing career in the hotbed of football that is the North-East , he ’ s a head coach that understands the impact of the ‘ beautiful game ’ on local communities – and economies .
“ I was at Middlesbrough in the late 1980s when the club was so close to collapse and liquidation . That uncertainty and fear had an effect on the whole of Teesside , adding to a lack of confidence ,” said Tony .
“ The club dropped through the divisions and it was a tough time . Then Steve Gibson came in and with players like Gary Pallister , Colin Cooper , Gary Parkinson , Gary Hamilton and Bernie Slaven in the team we started to climb back up .
“ The atmosphere everywhere changed – we lifted the area with our performances and success . We gave people – and the area – hope .
“ I ’ ve been here a number of months now and I can see the passion for the game here – I arrive at the Stadium of Light four hours before kick-off and there are already people here , as well as in the city centre .
“ The whole place seems to lift when we win – everyone has a smile on their face .”
Unfortunately , as all Sunderland fans know , the opposite is true too .
“ It ’ s not just the fans who are disappointed and hurting when we lose – the players , the club , the academy , do too . It ’ s my job as a head coach to lift yourself and the players , to rebuild them ready to go again ,” explained Tony .
So what sort of manager is he , and what lessons can he pass on to business leaders ?
“ I like to think I have empathy with my players – I ’ m an experienced manager but I was a player , so know what challenges they face and what they ’ re going through ,” said Tony .
“ I also like to think I have the emotional intelligence needed as a manager or leader of any kind . I came through the academy system and worked under some of the older-style , dictatorial managers . I ’ m not like that , I like to get my message through using stories or my experience , not through shouting . I want the lads to enjoy their football .
“ Like in business , you have your soldiers and artists , and a good team needs a balance of both . In football , you need your artists to create the goals , score the odd wonder goal and create a bit of magic .
“ The soldiers are those who put the work in , those you can rely on to do a good job week after week .
“ Getting the right mix is important – and it ’ s the same with business .”
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