A 'strange but successful mix' of ruthlessness, belligerence, intelligence and love are some of the key attributes of departing Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
That's according to a number of leadership and management experts cited by metro.co.uk, who explain that Ferguson was a 'Galactico' of management and leaders like him share similar traits.
For instance Dr Sue Bridgewater, author of Football Management, believes that successful leaders all have certain attributes in common: the ability to manage talent, manage upwards as well as down, and have both passion and resilience.
In addition, Air Alex himself has outlined his management techniques to academics at Harvard Business School, which could be useful for those going through leadership development courses.
"You can't ever lose control, not when you are dealing with 30 top professionals who are all millionaires," said Ferguson, cited by linkedin.com. "If they misbehave, we fine them, but we keep it indoors. And if anyone steps out of my control, that's them dead."
On the other hand, some believe Sir Alex's management style would not work quite as well in an office environment.
Sir Andrew Likierman, dean of the London Business School, believes Ferguson's aggressive tactics - "cajoling players, winding up opponents and arguing with officialdom" - is more suited to the world of football.
