Winning formula, man management and the inner game: Commonalities of success in the Ryder Cup and Super Bowl

Abstract

Using a conceptual framework based on the work of Mitch McCrimmon, who has highlighted false dichotomies of leadership and management, the Ryder Cup captaincy of Paul McGinley is examined in terms of man management, strategy and tactics, and the Inner Game. For purposes of comparison on these matters, reference is made to American Football coach Pete Carroll. This is a stimulus article aimed at making links between sport and business through invited commentaries. It is intended to provoke critical reflection on nebulous use of the term 'leadership' and that much 'leadership development' is concerned with matters such as selfawareness that are associated with 'personal growth'. Attention is drawn to how McGinley's captaincy is couched in terms of a discourse of 'management'.