Anyone (of a certain age) who has an interest in football will recall Brian Clough in his days as Manager of Derby County FC, Nottingham Forest FC and for 44 days, Leeds United FC.
To say he could be eccentric is probably an understatement but he was a character who guaranteed entertainment, especially with his comments.
He once observed “Laughter is Important. Show me a club where there’s laughter in the dressing room as well as talent in the team and I will show you a Club that wins things”.
The same is true of any business.
If you have ever sensed a tense environment when visiting a Company, I would hazard they are under achieving.
Talent and good humour will always lead to success and Cloughie also noted the next challenge when he said “Success is hard to come by, but hanging onto it is harder still”.
Business is very much like sport in that it needs to remain very fluid.
You need to have the best team and continue to raise the bar in order to succeed.
Your competitor will eventually work out your strengths so to stay ahead you need to Innovate and continue to be at the top of your game.
A good environment is vital for staff to learn and gain confidence but tactical training enables them to lead from the front.
Clough also knew the value of a strong mental attitude observing “Sometimes you win football matches in the most unusual places – like before you have even set foot on a field”.
No-one ever won unless they believed they could and winning becomes a habit for those who believe.
Clough’s confidence resulted in gaining the nickname “Big Head” but he had huge kindness.
You can’t help thinking he liked to confuse people but his humour was never far away.
On a cold winters night having gone to bed Brian’s devoted wife Barbara said “God, your feet are cold!”
Quick as a flash Clough replied “You can call me Brian when we are in bed, Barbara”
He was a “one off” but there was always something hidden in what he said.
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