Klinsmann-agement Theory

I've made my disappointment obvious that Jürgen Klinsmann is only here on a short term consultancy basis, but I'm open to other opinions.  So for the first time on Cruel Geography, I've hired a consultant to give a Stein half full viewpoint, so here's frequent commenter Roz to explain why it's actually a good thing.

When Klinsmann was introduced to the media on Thursday, there seemed to be a bit of a collective groan amongst TFC supporters.  There was no talk of grand visions and sweeping changes to the organization, but more of a vague corporate speak referring to team identity and styles of play.   But for the first time in awhile, I actually felt hopeful. ‘Der konsültant’ may just be what TFC needs. 

For the past four years, it seems like everyone at TFC has been doing their jobs (or not doing them) with very little focus on the big picture.  When things were going well there was back slapping, hand shaking, enthusiastic singing from supporters and victorious goal celebrations.  And when things weren’t going well (which was definitely more often) there was finger pointing, firings, hirings, trades, green supporters and stupid ‘cheque-writing’ goal celebrations -  all of which makes for fascinating daytime TV, but not a good football club.  And if Klinsmann were to just step in and ‘blow things’ up, as some people were hoping for, it’s likely that it would only add to the drama.  Because before any new sweeping changes are put in place the whole organization needs to take a step back and remind themselves of why they are here and what they want to do.  And that’s what Klinsmann, not the flashy former footballer, but the serious management consultant, is here to do. 

What TFC needs is a mission and vision.  It needs values and guiding principles (and if it currently has all these, well I think it’s safe to say they need a serious revamp).  And hopefully as I write this and you read this, Klinsmann has Anselmi and company locked up in the boardroom brainstorming , visioning, ‘blue skying’ and ‘thinking outside the box’.  All mind numbing exercises for anyone that has ever participated in them, but with outcomes that really do help guide the day to day operations of an organization.  Once an overall philosophy is in place, the next step is for Klinsmann to help TFC figure out the best management structure to implement it.  Do they need a Director of Soccer and a General Manager?  How many coaches?  A sports psychologist?  A yoga instructor perhaps?  And here’s where hopefully Klinsmann can use his connections to help TFC identify management and coaches who will work well within the new TFC structure and philosophy.  These managers and coaches will then work together to identify a style of play that is in line with the organization’s vision, and then find and train players that embody the TFC mentality.   The people in these positions may be new to the organization, or maybe they are here already, it all depends on the vision, mission and values.  That’s why Klinsmann, or anyone, can’t just come in and clean house without going through this admittedly tedious process.  Because what if they were to get rid of someone who doesn’t seem to ‘fit’ with the current organization, but would thrive within the new one?

Now, I know a bit of a sore point is the inclusion of Anselmi and company in the development of a new organizational philosophy.  I mean, why doesn’t Klinsmann just come right out and tell us what it should be, he’s the expert right?  Well, not really.  Klinsmann has been in Toronto for all of a few weeks now.  He knows nothing about the inner workings of MLSE, TFC history, demands of supporter’s groups, etc.  To get a true picture of what TFC is all about, he needs to hear from Anselmi and Bierne.  He also needs to hear from current management, coaches and players.  To get a well-rounded picture, I would argue that he also needs to sit down with the supporters.  And only when he talks with all of the stakeholders, all of the experts, can Klinsmann help us define what it means to be TFC.  Good management theorists would also point out that including all stakeholders in discussions on organizational philosophy increases the chances of buy-in and satisfaction.  All of which increase the chances that changes will actually be implemented, as well as maintained and effective.

So, the reality is that what’s happening right now at TFC isn’t dazzling and it isn’t dramatic.  It’s actually tedious and a little bit boring.  But it is good management, and it just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to this club.