One of the best leadership lessons I’ve picked up didn’t come from a typical business book—it came from football. Sir Alex Ferguson, the iconic manager of Manchester United, understood that success wasn’t about signing the biggest names. It was about building a team that shared his vision and bought into the culture he created.

Ferguson’s goal was clear: make Manchester United the most successful club in England, surpassing Liverpool. But instead of relying on high-priced players, he developed talent from within. His famous “Class of 92,” which included players like Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, wasn’t just a talented squad—they embodied the discipline and drive needed to achieve the vision.

What really stands out is his no-nonsense leadership style. Ferguson made it clear that nobody is bigger than the club. This led to tough decisions, including selling star players like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo when they no longer aligned with the team’s values. That’s what true leadership looks like—protecting the culture at all costs.

At iQuest, we’ve had our own “Class of 2016.” These aren’t just employees—they’re key players in driving the business vision forward. Two of them have even become business partners. Just like Ferguson’s team, they’re helping lead the way, pushing our business towards success.

The real takeaway? Building a strong, successful business starts with the right people. When your team shares your vision and values, they’re not just filling roles—they’re actively driving your business forward.

Ask yourself: Are you building a team that’s aligned with your vision, or are you just hiring to fill positions?

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