The old joke goes: Why did Robin Hood only steal from the rich? Answer: Because the poor have no money. That's lesson one in any manual on how to set up a business — identify your market.
Mr Hood is a corporate raider/philanthropist, although in his case the raids are actual rather than metaphorical, but his proto-charitable foundation has set a benchmark. Set up
for one reason only, to provide money and food to a downtrodden poor (with possibly some light vengeance on the side), his aims are just and laudable.
His methods, however, fall foul of most modern codes of conduct.
And his key weapons &mdsah; the bow and arrow, the sword and an ability to swing from chandeliers in castles — are not to be found in most executive toolkits. He's also a cunning adversary who has learned to plan his moves to with precision, although it helps if one's rivals are as oafish and bungling as the Sheriff's men.
As a boss he keeps discipline tight, with employees wearing a uniform (Lincoln green tabard/jacket, tights, hat at jaunty angle). He also asks
that they live together in a forest commune, which is
a reasonably extreme management technique, but the enforced togetherness does engender a successful, 'us and them' team spirit.
Of course Robin isn't completely altruistic. His other motivation, other than helping the poor, is getting Maid Marion to fall in love with
him. Well, at least they can economise by sharing tights.
Jimi Hendrix, Gandalf... learn more business tips from our series of unlikely gurus.
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