15 Lessons in Leadership You Can Learn from the New Zealand All Blacks

Welcome to the new 7 subscribers of this Newsletter who have joined us since last Thursday. If you’re not already subscribed, join the other 3750+ leaders who are receiving leadership insights, ideas, and inspiration every single week.

The book Legacy by James Kerr goes deep into the culture of the New Zealand All Blacks and what is at the heart of the world’s most successful Rugby team. It reveals 15 powerful and practical lessons for leadership and business which has helped them deliver years and years of success.

The 15 Lessons

1. Character - this includes humility and discipline, regardless of your title or position you still get the small things right or muck in when needed by “sweeping the sheds”. This is because if you cannot do the small things right, how can you expect to take on the big things? You have a selfless mindset, with a focus on serving others.

2. Adapt - when you’re enjoying success and winning, you have to evaluate your environment and look at what’s next. Continue to do what got you there in the first place. Sitting at the table of success and enjoying the previous win for too long will lead to complacency.

3. Purpose - this is about people belonging to a cause greater and more enduring than themselves, and where individual and organisational values and beliefs align. There is a sense of shared responsibility, which means shared ownership. This sense of inclusion means individuals are more willing to give themselves to a common cause.

4. Responsibility - the All Blacks existing leaders foster a leadership culture, where leaders create more leaders, not followers. “Pass the ball”. Everyone feels empowered, has the authority and autonomy to contribute and be part of the success.

5. Learn - success is a result of a long-term commitment to improving excellence. The All Blacks focused on marginal gains, which involved improving parts of their technique and skill daily by 1%. These accumulative improvements added together across each player and the team as a whole resulted in a huge competitive advantage.

6. Whanau - meaning “extended family”. This is about everyone being on a level playing field with everyone, mutual respect, and contributing with the right spirit and intention. No one is bigger than the team.

7. Expectations - this is where they visualise to actualise. Focusing on what it feels like to win and to lose, and using that to propel you forward. The All Blacks had high expectations and goals for themselves to work towards which caused them to need to constantly raise their standards.

8. Preparation - the All Blacks trained to win. They practiced and trained at a harder level and intensity to ensure when they’re out there in a match they are ready both emotionally and physically. Getting outside of your comfort zone in training keeps you sharp for match day.

9. Pressure - the All Blacks worked with consultants to understand their emotions and mindset, having choked at critical parts of important games previously. They adopted and leveraged the “Red Head” and “Blue Head”. Red Head is an unproductive state where you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, and the error rate will be high, vs a Blue Head, where you’re calm and composed, and the error rate is small. Being able to shift from Red to Blue Head increased chances of success as you are in a productive state and can make good decisions.

10. Authencity - this is being genuine and staying true to your values. Know thyself. Adopting the behaviours and values of others will conflict and leave you feeling unfulfilled. Leaders should focus on nurturing a psychologically safe environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and bringing their whole selves to the table.

11. Sacrifice - this is the idea that champions do extra. In order to upgrade yourself, your team, and your environment you have to do more than what’s expected of you. Doing the minimum might win you games but it won’t win you championships or help you further your career. Do the work at the level above and get outside of your comfort zone to stretch and grow.

12. Language - this is a set of beliefs, language, ideas, and mantras that provides the glue of the All Blacks culture. Ensuring everyone respects and contributes to the culture is paramount to its success. “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”

13. Ritual - creating a culture that continues to grow and evolve. Effective leaders establish rituals and help their team connect them to its core purpose.

14. Whakapapa - this is about being a good ancestor. Do things now which will benefit the team in years to come. Whakapapa encourages the team to leave the All Blacks jersey in a better place than they received it, noting that our first responsibility is to be a good ancestor. Plant trees that others will enjoy in years to come.

15. Legacy - this is left for the individual to make their mark. Write the future guided by the core principles, values, standards, and ethos of the All Black’s team. What will you be remembered for?

I have read this book several times and it always provides a good reminder of the core principles of being an effective leader through your people, teams, and culture. It also demonstrates the discipline, grit, and champion mindset required to be part of a successful winning team.

Thanks for reading

David

Resources Of The Week

• Book - Legacy by James Kerr. Legacy is a unique, inspiring handbook for leaders in all fields, and asks: What are the secrets of success sustained success? How do you achieve world-class standards, day after day, week after week, year after year? How do you handle pressure? How do you train to win at the highest level?

• YouTube - Michael Bungay - how to ask great questions. Coaching is incredibly important in the roles of all Managers. In this video Michael explores 5 disciplines all leaders should hold for facilitating effective coaching sessions.

• Mindful App - leadership can be stressful and it’s difficult to switch off in the evenings as our emotions run away. Meditation has historically had a bit of a stigma attached to it, but it is becoming more and more mainstream. The benefits are overwhelming including reducing anxiety and better focus and self-esteem. Years ago running/jogging was not very mainstream, now look at it. I favor the Calm App as Tamara Levitt is a calming influence on me. Try something new today!

Quote of the Week

If you’re finding this newsletter valuable, consider sharing it with colleagues, or subscribing if you haven’t already.