How to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson

'In his usual and very accurate way, Damian Hughes has studied and documented the genius of Alex Ferguson. Alex's extraordinary and exceptional ability to bring about improvement and change ahead of the field is brought to life in this book. Knowing both Damian and Alex this book is a must read for the sporting enthusiast.' Bill Sweetenham, former National Performance Director British Swimming, and coach to over 40 Olympic champions 'Damian Hughes challenges traditional coaching methods by encouraging coaches to maintain strong principles supported by self-awareness and the ability to adapt and change through the myriad of leadership challenges (and opportunities!). In this excellent book, Damian's inquisitive and insightful mind breaks down one of the greatest coaches in the history of sport. With examples from Sir Alex Ferguson's distinguished career, he masterfully illustrates a range of key principles which can be applied by any fan, coach or business leader.' Trent Robinson, head coach Sydney Roosters Rugby League and coach of the year, 2014 'Alex Ferguson was the master technician, the master psychologist. This book uncovers Ferguson's psychological techniques, along side Professor Hughes' analysis. The book flows, like great football, like the best Manchester United teams under the great man himself.' Professor Geoff Beattie, Psychologist, Edge Hill University 'An understanding of the mind's ways is a crucial part of being an elite athlete. I'm always learning about this area and there are always ways to improve. Damian Hughes has helped me become better equipped to deal with the mental stresses I encounter on court. He has helped me to reduce the fuzziness, and see things clearly when under pressure and I am confident that this book will do the same.' James Willstrop, World no. 1 Squash Player 'Elite coaching and leadership is about making the comfortable uncomfortable whilst helping the uncomfortable to become comfortable with change. Sir Alex Ferguson was the very best at that and Professor Damian Hughes has produced a compelling book which explains how he did this. I couldn't put it down and I am confident that you will find much in here to help you achieve success in your own chosen field.' Charles van Commenee, UK Athletics and 2012 GB Olympic Head Coach

In How To Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson, Professor Damian Hughes goes into the mind of one of the world's most successful leaders to reveal 10 powerful and practical lessons for leadership and business. How To Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson is a unique and inspiring handbook for anyone looking to improve performance in turbulent, changing times.

‘How to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson is an insightful and interesting book packed with leadership ideas and real life examples taken from the cutting edge of sport that apply in leading any top team or business. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially those currently in leadership positions and those aspiring to get there, as Damian Hughes draws out the inspirational qualities required from one of the greatest managers in football.’

Stuart Lancaster, Former England Head Coach, Rugby Football Union

Delve deep into the mind of one of the world’s most successful leaders and discover 10 powerful and practical lessons for leadership and business, with this unique and inspiring handbook for anyone looking to improve performance in turbulent, changing times.

Distilling the primary lessons of Ferguson's phenomenal success as manager at Manchester United and showing how you can apply them to you own personal goals, this book explains Ferguson's approach to people-management, changing mind-sets, visualisation, building confidence and embracing change – all techniques at the heart of turning Manchester United into a winning machine.

Discover how he remained at the forefront of one of the world's most competitive industries and how to make this count with your own ambition, as well as learning about the techniques he employed to extract the finest qualities from his team, and how to lead other individuals and teams in their pursuit of success within changing times.

With exercises for you to work on, drawing from Professor Hughes's practical and academic background within sport, organisation and change psychology, this is the perfect handbook for the business of winning and managing success.