The Leadership Coach's Blog
This leadership coach's blog, looks at the extraordinary way in which Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has handled the seething criticism at Ewood Park.
Leadership : Steve Kean - I Believe!
It's crisis time at Blackburn Rovers. Or it was. Saturday's unexpected win at Old Trafford has diverted the pressure away from Steve Kean. A win that you somehow sense Kean has earnt.
For his attitude in the face of, at times, offensive and personal criticism from some of the Blackburn Rovers support has been fascinating. Kean appears to be a man who has taken lessons in leadership.
At all times, as Rovers have hit rock-bottom, Steve Kean has been positive and optimistic. He appears to have the backing of his Indian owners, which has helped considerably. Thus he can lead without being undermined by his own insecurities.
It's difficult to know how sensitive Kean has been to the criticism. But perhaps he has developed the mental strength to develop his own internal thoughts and feelings, whilst the storm breaks around him.
Like having mental images that keep him calm, when he needs to be calm. Allied with a stubborn streak that refuses to show weakness in the face of adversity.
Kean must feel that he has the players and the strategy to lead Blackburn Rovers away from relegation. And ultimately re-establish them as a mid-table Premier League club. And it's this vision that ultimately gives hope to himself and those around him.
He can see a brighter future for the football club, and so knows that the present struggle is only a temporary blip. With the owners giving him time, Kean can act from a place of 'future history'.
It's very unusual to see a manager at the bottom of the league so up-beat, and not emotionally dragged down by the weekly saga of defeats. Either Steve Kean is putting on a very impressive act. Or he is a man who knows that better times are around the corner!
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