Nurturing a winning spirit
Sir Graham Henry is a speaker at Nurture Change 2017, and you could be there, writes Zac de Silva.
In my opinion Sir Graham Henry is the most successful rugby coach of all time. His success and learnings on and off the field around team culture have shaped New Zealand.
A few years ago, Graham spoke at our inaugural Nurture Change Business Retreat. He was such a hit that he will be back by demand at Nurture Change this year too.
What has been your biggest learning in business to date?
Changing my leadership style from ‘coach driven’ to ‘team driven’ during my time with Wales and the Lions in 2001.
People don’t respond well to an authoritarian coach, telling them what to do. They do better when they’re given the tools they need and then empowered to do what they need to do. It took me 30 years to realise that I needed to change from a ‘‘me-and-them’’ culture to an ‘‘us’’ culture.
What do you think are top business qualities?
Passion, know the game, and develop your people. Give people opportunities to get involved in activities they enjoy and have ability in.
I learned a lot from Sir John Graham (DJ), who was headmaster of Auckland Grammar, All Black captain, NZ cricket team manager, president of the NZ Rugby Union and won the Halberg Leadership Award. I found him to be a quality leader with an innate ability to develop other people. During DJ’s time as headmaster, numerous teachers went on to be leaders in education.
And your leadership style?
Consensus without losing accountability. After 2007’s failed World Cup campaign, one of the reasons we got rehired was because our players wanted us back. It’s something you have to ask yourself as a leader: if they had a choice, would your team members choose you to lead them?
Do you have any tips on future-proofing?
You need to have a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. A growth mindset means you learn from setbacks or difficult times. With a fixed mindset you withdraw or feel incapable. From what I’ve seen, successful people and companies focus on constant improvement through executing well each day. I learned a lot from working with Gilbert Enoka at the All Blacks. He ensured the team and individuals were always looking forward, with a mentality based on humility – remembering that we are not the finished product.
How do you look after your health and wellbeing?
Exercise - usually it’s a run to clear my head and get the blood pumping, and plenty of ribena!
Nurture Change and Fairfax are giving away four $5,000 scholarships. For details, visit Stuff.co.nz and search for ‘‘Nurture Change 2017’’. The competition deadline is now extended to July 24, 2017.