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Small Business Center

How to Be a Supportive Manager in Tough Times

February 8, 2023

In the Jan. 29 NFL AFC Championship game the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Joseph Ossai made the biggest mistake of his young career. With eight seconds to go and the game on the line, the Bengals defensive lineman pushed Patrick Mahomes when the Chiefs quarterback was already out of bounds. The unnecessary roughness penalty gave the Kansas City offense an extra 15 yards, enabling an easy game-winning field goal. Ossai’s reaction to his mistake and his teammates and coaches’ reactions offer important lessons in how small business managers can best respond when employees make mistakes.

Drawing from Ossai’s experience, this StartUp Nation article offers tips on how to be a supportive manager during hard moments.

By Rebecca Meiser

Contributor, Commerce + Communities Today and Small Business Center

Small Business Center

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