HOW ‘BOUT THEM COWBOYS? or, nine starter questions for the new season

For those of us in San Antonio, the annual football drama known as the Dallas Cowboy’s Summer Camp began this week. As someone that enjoys studying management styles and techniques, the Cowboys offer the ultimate case study. Jerry Jones should write a book. The book could be entitled “The Dysfunctional Organization - an insider’s view of how not to operate a business”.

In the E-Myth management model that we cling to, all functions are clearly identified. Then, all activities within a given function are identified. This process produces a written set of instructions for each task an employee will perform. This allows employees to know exactly what to do and how to do it. It also allows management to evaluate performance against a defined standard.

The Cowboys, however, use a different approach. The employees (players) are free to create and define their own functionality. The department managers (coaches) neither establish policy nor evaluate performance. Evaluations are made at the highest level, which is the owner (Jerry). Ultimately, the department managers (coaches) are evaluated on the performance of the employees (players) over whom they ultimately have no control. While this system – “The Cowboy Management Model” – makes perfect sense to the owner, it is a model that creates and encourages chaos. We do not endorse this model!

“The Cowboy Management Model” is what it is. As we dig into the model to address this season, we have identified nine pressing questions. Why nine? It is only day one of the preseason practices in San Antonio.

1. Will Tony and Jessica get back together?
2. Will Wade change from “Cream Puff” to “hard rear”.
3. Will Roy Williams actually run a precise route?
4. Will this be the year Flozell Adams passes 400 lbs?
5. How many interceptions will Terrance Newman drop?
6. What is the over/under on number of games Felix Jones will play?
7. What percentage of the team will make the 8:50 practice after a night on the Riverwalk?
8. Will Jerry fire his son Stephen Jones before the next draft?
9. How will $10 beer go over with fans in the Ultimate Dome?

And so the drama begins in Cowboys Country. Another season begins. Another disappointment unfolds.

Steve Cook is managing shareholder of Cook and Associates, PLLC, Certified Public Accountants, a full service CPA firm offering tax, audit, and wealth management services from offices in San Antonio and San Marcos, Texas.