ModernManagement_Guide_lr

Modern Management Guide

Managing Your Team

aware of any potential issues or tough lines of questioning. It’s useful to consider which of your core messages need to be delivered at certain times and make sure you get them across in a consistent way. Identify key dates in the diary and prepare what you’ll say ahead of each fixture. LOCAL COMMUNITY Regional newspapers are every manager’s bread and butter; their reporters live and breathe their local clubs every day and are the key conduit to the fans. A manager who shows that he understands the local environment and community and speaks well of it will prosper with his own supporter base. Attending supporters’ meetings, charity events and former-player functions, and getting out into the local community are all positive ways of connecting regularly with the club’s key stakeholders. Engaging with such events should be an important part of your wider communications strategy. ON AIR Local, national and host broadcasters, both TV and radio, are extremely important, as they are the major communications channels for the game, and provide it with key revenue streams. It’s best to take any opportunities you have to develop strong relationships with broadcasters, always dealing with them in a professional manner. While many managers will wait until they are between jobs and seeking a new role to work closely with the broadcasters, it’s possible and advantageous to do so, within reason, while you’re working. Make the host broadcaster feel welcome when they visit your club and work with them in fulfilling your media commitments. TAKE YOUR TIME Managers are at their most vulnerable immediately after a game and it’s crucial to establish a routine to calm down and prepare before speaking with the media. Take five minutes to liaise with coaches and media officers prior to facing the cameras. Remember, those in the media need to leave any conference or interview with content, so it’s important that you engage with them in a proactive, positive and consistent way.

DEALING WITH MISREPRESENTATION There may be occasions when you are unhappy with something that has been said or written by a journalist. Should this happen, it’s best to arrange to discuss the issue with them in private, avoiding attempts at public embarrassment. Correct the facts in any inaccurate stories, ensuring that your clarifications can be used by the broadcast outlets. It’s important to set the record straight, but not in a way that belittles an individual journalist. In many clubs, the director of communications will record the manager’s media conferences, meaning there’s a full record of what has been said. This makes it easier to correct misquotes if need be. BE AUTHENTIC All managers have different personalities and this determines how they will interact with the media. It is important to be natural and authentic rather than attempting to be somebody you’re not. You may want to try to lighten the mood, as humour and laughter can break the ice even in the most difficult of times, but always be professional, courteous and serious when required. Most of all, be prepared. A harmonious relationship with the media will likely make the difficult and hugely demanding job of management that little bit easier.

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