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15 Leadership Lessons from the All Blacks
The “All Blacks” is the nickname of the New Zealand national rugby union team, current holders of the Rugby World Cup, and the winningest rugby team of all time. As many of you know, I love to use sports teams as examples for great leadership and teamwork. James Kerr, author of Legacy, was embedded in the team and summarizes the following 15 leadership lessons he learned from his time with them:
- Sweep the Sheds — Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done.
- Go for the Gap — When you’re on top of your game, change your game.
- Play with Purpose — Ask “Why?”
- Pass the Ball — Leaders create leaders.
- Create a Learning Environment — Leaders are teachers.
- No Jerks — Follow the spearhead.
- Embrace Expectations — Aim for the highest cloud.
- Train to Win — Practice under pressure.
- Keep a Blue Head — Control your attention.
- Know Thyself — Keep it real.
- Sacrifice — Find something you would die for and give your life to it.
- Invent a Language — Sing your world into existence.
- Ritualize to Actualize — Create a culture.
- Be a Good Ancestor — Plant trees you’ll never see.
- Write Your Legacy — This is your time.
The list includes some great points, but my favorites are No. 4 and No. 14. Are you and your company creating “Leaders,” and are you planting trees you will never see?