It has been widely reported that Brendan Rodgers' relationship with Liverpool FC owners,
Fenway Sports was a fraught one. After several disagreements, Rodgers publicly criticised the owners in a press conference about Andy Carroll's departure when he said that the decision "was 99.9% about finance." On another occasion he stated, "I will do my best with what I'm working with" which was considered a direct dig at the owners.
In the Irish automotive industry, there is a huge prevalence of family-owned dealerships, several of whom have come to us with a view of appointing new senior management into the business. More often than not, the message from the business owner is that any new GM/Dealer Principal joining the business, will have full autonomy and based on his/her previous experience, will be allowed to put their particular stamp of authority on how the organisation will be run.
Occasionally however, the relationship can sometimes run aground and conflicts soon emerge. It is critical that there is a clear, consistent message given at both interview and onboarding stage, outlining in forensic detail; the level of autonomy, style of management, nature of the reporting relationship and the manner in which any disagreements between owner and manager can be dealt with.