Can business leaders build teams like Alex Ferguson?

Purpose – This paper aims to look at the leadership lessons which can be learnt from Scottish soccer coach, Alex Ferguson. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the characteristics and methods of Alex Ferguson's leadership style and how managers in business can apply the wider principles that underlie them. Findings – Just like football teams, businesses have long periods of fantastic success as well as times when winning titles or new business seems an unattainable goal. A great leader takes their team through good times and bad. With the enrolment and engagement of their people, they too can be a true leader and someone that people actively choose to commit to and follow. Originality/value – The author believes that managers can learn much from Ferguson's principles of leadership.