What can IT Services management learn from Bill Walsh?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 07:45AM If your first question is, "Who's Bill Walsh", don't worry about that too much, just keep reading. Bill Walsh was a football coach best known for 3 Superbowl wins with the San Francisco 49ers, that passed away this week. He is know for his unique approach to the game. He didn't start coaching the team until he was 47 years old and quit only 10 years later. But his impact during that time was tremendous.
He was always open to new ideas and ways of changing the game. Many times he would change the play-book because a different method fit better into the talent he had available. He may not have always had the best players, but he figured, adapted or trained them to maximize their talents to win the game. He did invent new plays but he also studied his competition and copied what they did right too.
His "West Coast Offense", allowed a quarterback to be flexible enough for the receivers to have up to 3 different routes he'd pick based on each plays success. Receivers would adjust routes based on circumstances.
Walsh started out with lesser skilled players, but once word got out he was able to draw players like the great Joe Montana.
Now, if I haven't glassed over your non-football eyes yet, here's my point:
1) Be adaptable in your approach to management before cutting lose talent that may have a better fit within your game book.
2) Don't be so stuck in your business approach to be open to changes that your competition found first.
3) Allow flexibility within your employees authority to adapt themselves if speed is needed.
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