How media managers can benefit from the Andy Murray touch

By DAN MASON

Many media managers reach their elevated positions because they were good at their previous jobs … reporting, subbing, selling ads or whatever. But that doesn’t make them good managers.

In my book, a lot of good leadership comes down to common sense and clear communication. But there are some skills that no manager can do without.

As a manager you’re going to face moments when you feel scared and out of your depth. They’re the moments you need to know how to control yourself. Because if you can’t control yourself, you have no chance of controlling those around you.

That’s a theme that comes through in a revealing interview by Hugh MacDonald for the Scottish Herald with tennis star Andy Murray.

Here are a few of Murray’s quotes, and how – as I see it – his approach is just as relevant in the newsroom as the Centre Court at Wimbledon.

AM: “The enemy of the potential champion is panic.“

Contrary to popular belief, stress isn’t inherently bad – it can help raise your game and that of your team when it’s really needed. But let it rule you or go on too long and it inevitably spells disaster for your decision-making, your ability to communicate and your health.

Those times when the stress levels peak are when media managers need to be – and, just as important, give every outward appearance of being – focused, open, communicative and in control.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ, as it is often called) is a good way to understand the relationship between stress and effective leadership. Anger management provides some useful tools for managing stress positively.

AM: “One of the most important things for me, each day, is that when I get on the court I have to make sure my mind is there.”

How do you do that? In a word: Prepare. Give yourself thinking time before you start work (and before the phones start ringing) to set your priorities and get your mind in gear. Here’s a tip: always clear your desk before you finish for the day. That way you’ll start again fresh.

As a manager, the way you come into the office – looking and sounding positive – will set the tone for all those around you.

AM: “Having variety in your game helps”

Being consistent can be good. But who remembers a boss who never tried anything new? It’s those who know when to shake things up, change the dynamic and throw in a few surprises that get results. Create a buzz … your audience will love you for it.

AM: You want to play the match on your terms

It’s obvious … focus on the things you can control and play to your strengths. But to do that effectively, you’ll be constantly watching your opponents (to spot opportunities) and your team (to get the best out of them). Sometimes it’s easy to forget the listening part of leadership.

AM: “Unfortunately, it does not always succeed …”

Managers don’t always have to be right. But they do have to be honest enough to admit when something goes wrong.

Even Andy Murray is human … as this video of his party piece shows:

• Now it’s over to you … what qualities do you think make a good media manager?

Media management training and consultancy is just one aspect of the Thomson Foundation’s work with global media organisations. For more information, contact the Thomson Foundation.

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