LEADERS WHO SHAPE TEAM CHARACTER WILL WIN

THE fatal blow was imminent.

On Saturday, Owen Farrell was lined up to drop-goal England to victory. Like Jonny Wilkinson in the World Cup final of 2003.

But England fluffed it this time – inexplicably. And the kings of world rugby, the All Blacks, won yet again. As they do.

In The Jersey, author Peter Bills describes their win-rate as better than any other sports team in history. Any. Ever.

So what are the magic ingredients of their universal recipe for success? Joel Smith, in a blog on October 18, wrote: “Take a look at any team dynasty through the years in sports, and behind it all, you’ll see a coach that created a culture of success.

“Certainly, getting faster, stronger and more robust are massively important, but is there something else, that might be even bigger?” Smith asked.

“And that is the creation of ‘the culture of athletic AND personal transformation’.”

Wow. Coaches who lead the personal transformation of their team players… that’s rarefied air, indeed.

Smith: “When it comes to team culture, there are the classic staples: things like accountability, discipline, self-esteem, selflessness, honesty, expectations and communication. But on these values, I have found that there are three things that make great team cultures REALLY stand out.”

First: Servant leadership – see this column, online: “In order to lead,

Getting faster, stronger and more robust are massively important, but is there something else, that might be even bigger?

one must first be able to serve”, on iol.co.za

Smith quotes Simon Senik, in Leaders Eat Last: “In the military, they give medals to people who are willing to sacrifice themselves so that others may gain.

“In business, we give bonuses to people who are willing to sacrifice others so that we may gain. We have it backward.”

Smith quotes philosopher Lao Tzu: “To lead people, walk behind them.”

Second: “Following the spearhead.” This talks about intense understanding of the team’s common purpose, like birds in their arrow-like formations.

And third: “Harnessing the transformative energy of the weight room.” This is a “sacred space”, where great leaders – who are in exceptional shape themselves – inspire their players to push themselves to the limits. Where great leaders show: “I grew strong only that I might strengthen you; I faced pain so that I might show you through” – quoting Elliot Hulse.

Smith asks leaders: “Do you bring the right energy into each workout to create the space where athletes can fully push themselves on multiple levels? If not, why?”

John Wooden: “To win takes talent… to repeat takes character.” So bring us, then:

Leaders with the skill to forge our healthiest collective team character.

Or lead a losing team, instead.