Sir Clive Woodward's 10 Tips for Managers managing the Talent

Sir Clive Woodward has this week in The Sunday Times  given a 10 point blueprint for the overhaul of English rugby. But I think it can amended to be used for senior business managers for their talent management and motivation. So here are my (slightly amended versions) of his 10 point management blueprint:

1. Wear the tracksuit
Don't manage from the office, get down and dirty with the staff.

2. Extremism is good
Look after the good people, but don't be afraid to be a bold leader. The senior manager is that for a reason - they make the decisions and they should be extreme.

3. Money matters
Don't compromise for the sake of money. Don't let people prevent you from putting things in place that you feel essential to succeed.

4. Friends make good colleagues
Pack your management team with talented people, but people who you like, respect, can have fun with and (most importantly) you can rely on.

5. Zap the sappers
To sap means to wear down. Each team has them, even one in a team will will sap you and damage the team. Find them and get rid of them.

6. Beware of parasites
Most of the management team will support you, but there are some that will be obstructive. Identify these parasites early and avoid.

7. Trample on the termites
Often they are the ones that have (too) many years service with your company - you know the ones - they know it all!!! Stamp on them quickly before they 'eat away' at your power base.

8. Energy is the answer
Energisers represent fire, force and intensity - find them in your team and make sure you promote their energy level as the benchmark you expect from everyone.

9. Chain of command
Make sure you report to the decision maker. Try and avoid reporting to messenger middle yes-men.

10. Wow factor
Make sure you get some 'great quick wins' with your new talented team. It will get you noticed and help raise the bar of expectation for your colleagues.