Why managers learn from leaders like Napoleon

Sacking season starts

The November international break begins 'sacking season' for football managers.

62% of managers out of work

60 managers resigned or were sacked in the Premier League and Football League since last season, with 37 now unemployed.

Jim Smith's advice

Jim Smith told Tony Pulis: 'son, you're not a real manager until you get sacked at least three times - so get your backside off the sofa and get on with getting another job'.

“son, you're not a real manager until you get sacked at least three times - so get your backside off the sofa and get on with getting another job”

Bruce Rioch's help

Bruce Rioch asked Tony Pulis to scout for him while he searched for his next job after being sacked in 1994.

Football's secret to success

Tony Pulis learned that knowing the level and placing the right players you can afford is key to football success.

Gillingham promotion

Tony Pulis promoted Gillingham to League Two second place in his first season after signing players he had watched scouting for Bruce Rioch.

Napoleon's leadership

Tony Pulis studied Napoleon Bonaparte's attention to detail and his generals' loyalty as a leader.

Napoleon's legacy

Napoleon produced the Napoleonic Code, still the foundation of French civil law today.

Battle of Balaclava

Tony Pulis compared Napoleon's military strategy to the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava.

HMS Endurance story

Tony Pulis learned leadership from the story of HMS Endurance, where Shackleton led his men through extreme conditions.

Key advice for managers

Tony Pulis advises managers to get back to work quickly after being sacked, even if it means dropping down a level.

Why this matters

Experience in all walks of life helps managers learn leadership skills from history and other sports.

The takeaway

Tony Pulis learned leadership skills from historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte after being sacked multiple times.