Bennett: secrets to my success

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has revealed the leadership traits that have made him the most successful rugby league coach the game has ever seen.

Speaking at the TSS Foundation Lunch at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, Bennett addressed some of the city’s most prominent leaders across an array of industries.

The seven-time NRL premiership coach outlined the behaviours that every leader needs to have in order to find consistent success in any field.

“Trust is number one. They must trust you and you can’t afford to lose it,” Bennett said.

“You also need to be able to communicate. I need to tell you what I see, what I feel and what I want you to do and if you don’t hear from me you don’t know what to do.

“You need to have a vision. You have to be able to see what you want and how you want your business to look.

“You need to be committed. Every time you promise yourself you will do something or change something you have just told yourself another lie.

“You have to take responsibility. Above the line sits responsibility and ownership and below the line is blaming others, making excuses and justifying ourselves.

“Respect is also important. When you finish your career you want to walk out the door hoping they respect you. You can’t lead if you are not respected.

“There is also nothing worse than mixed messages. If you give the message make sure it is clear and understood so there is no fall back position for the person to have an excuse to get out of it.

“The last thing is you have to have the courage to stand for something. You can’t fall for everything your whole life.”