Legacy

1. Character: Humility is the foundation of leadership

Sweep the sheds. Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done.

Humility as strength. True leadership begins with humility, not as a sign of weakness, but as a source of strength. The All Blacks, one of the most successful sports teams in history, embody this principle through actions like "sweeping the sheds" - cleaning up their locker room after a match. This practice demonstrates that no one is above the team or too important to do the necessary work.

Character over talent. The All Blacks prioritize character in their selection process, valuing personal qualities like humility, work ethic, and team-first mentality over raw talent. This approach creates a culture where players are accountable to each other and the team's values, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and pride.

Self-reflection and growth. Humility allows leaders to honestly assess their strengths and weaknesses, creating opportunities for continuous improvement. It enables them to ask questions, seek feedback, and learn from others, ultimately leading to personal growth and better decision-making.

2. Adaptability: Change your game when you're at the top

When you're on top of your game, change your game.

Embrace change. Success can breed complacency, but true champions understand the need for constant evolution. The All Blacks' ability to adapt and innovate, even when they're at the top of their game, has been crucial to their sustained success.

Anticipate challenges. Leaders must be proactive in identifying potential threats and opportunities. This involves:

• Regularly reassessing strategies and tactics
• Staying attuned to changes in the competitive landscape
• Encouraging innovation and fresh perspectives within the team

Cultivate resilience. Adaptability requires resilience - the ability to bounce back from setbacks and learn from failures. Leaders should foster a culture that views challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement, rather than insurmountable obstacles.

3. Purpose: Connect personal meaning to a higher cause

The more you have to play for, the better you play.

Find your 'why'. High-performing teams are driven by a sense of purpose that goes beyond winning or financial success. For the All Blacks, this purpose is encapsulated in the phrase "Leave the jersey in a better place." This powerful idea connects individual efforts to a larger, more meaningful goal.

Align values and vision. Leaders must articulate a compelling vision that resonates with team members' personal values and aspirations. This alignment creates a strong emotional connection to the team's purpose, driving motivation and commitment.

Create a legacy mindset. Encourage team members to think beyond their immediate roles and consider their long-term impact. This perspective shift helps individuals see their work as part of a larger narrative, inspiring them to contribute to something greater than themselves.

4. Responsibility: Leaders create leaders by passing the ball

Leaders create leaders.

Empower others. Effective leaders understand that their primary role is to develop more leaders, not followers. The All Blacks practice this through their "dual-management model," which gives players significant responsibility in decision-making and team leadership.

Distribute leadership. Create opportunities for team members to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. This might include:

• Rotating leadership positions
• Assigning project leads
• Encouraging mentorship within the team

Trust and accountability. Passing the ball requires trust in your team members' abilities. Leaders must create an environment where individuals feel trusted to make decisions and are held accountable for their actions and outcomes.

5. Learning: Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement

Create a learning environment. Leaders are teachers.

Embrace a growth mindset. Foster a culture where learning and improvement are valued above all else. The All Blacks' mantra of "Better People Make Better All Blacks" encapsulates this idea, emphasizing personal development as the key to team success.

Structured learning. Implement systems and processes that support ongoing learning and development:

• Regular skill-building sessions
• Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
• External training and education opportunities

Reflect and adapt. Encourage regular reflection on performance, both individually and as a team. Use these insights to drive continuous improvement and adaptation.

6. Unity: No dickheads - follow the spearhead

Follow the spearhead.

Team above all. The All Blacks' "No Dickheads" policy emphasizes the importance of character and team cohesion over individual talent. This approach ensures that every team member is aligned with the group's values and purpose.

Foster connections. Build strong relationships within the team through:

• Team-building activities
• Shared rituals and traditions
• Open communication channels

Address toxicity quickly. Be prepared to make tough decisions about team composition, removing individuals who undermine team unity or values, regardless of their talent or status.

7. Expectations: Embrace pressure and aim for the highest cloud

Aim for the highest cloud.

Set ambitious goals. Encourage team members to set high personal and collective standards. The All Blacks' internal challenge to be "the best rugby team there has ever been" exemplifies this approach.

Reframe pressure. View pressure as a privilege and an opportunity to excel, rather than a burden. This mindset shift can help transform anxiety into focused performance.

Visualize success. Use visualization techniques to help team members imagine achieving their goals. This mental rehearsal can boost confidence and improve performance under pressure.

8. Preparation: Train to win by practicing under pressure

Practise under pressure.

Simulate game conditions. Create training scenarios that mirror the intensity and complexity of real competition. The All Blacks' "Train to Win" methodology involves randomized problem-solving and unexpected challenges to develop decision-making skills under pressure.

Push beyond comfort zones. Regularly expose team members to situations that test their limits and force them to adapt. This might include:

• High-intensity physical training
• Complex problem-solving exercises
• Time-pressured decision-making scenarios

Debrief and learn. After each training session or competition, conduct thorough debriefs to analyze performance and identify areas for improvement.

9. Pressure: Keep a blue head by controlling your attention

Keep a blue head.

Develop mental toughness. Teach team members techniques for maintaining focus and composure under pressure. The All Blacks use the concept of a "Blue Head" (calm, clear thinking) versus a "Red Head" (panicked, confused thinking) to help players recognize and manage their mental state.

Practice mindfulness. Incorporate mindfulness and meditation techniques into training to improve focus and emotional regulation.

Create anchors. Develop personal rituals or "anchors" that help individuals quickly regain composure and focus in high-pressure situations.

10. Authenticity: Know thyself and stay true to your values

Keep it real.

Self-awareness. Encourage team members to deeply understand their own values, strengths, and weaknesses. This self-knowledge forms the foundation for authentic leadership and personal growth.

Live your values. Leaders must consistently demonstrate the values they espouse. This alignment between words and actions builds trust and inspires others to follow suit.

Embrace vulnerability. Create an environment where individuals feel safe to be their authentic selves, including acknowledging mistakes and areas for improvement.

11. Sacrifice: Champions do extra and give their life to a cause

Find something you would die for and give your life to it.

Go the extra mile. Encourage a culture where team members consistently put in extra effort beyond what is required. The All Blacks' mantra "Champions do extra" embodies this commitment to excellence.

Purposeful sacrifice. Help team members understand the connection between their sacrifices and the team's larger purpose. This understanding can transform difficult tasks into meaningful contributions.

Celebrate effort. Recognize and reward not just results, but the extraordinary effort and dedication that lead to those results.

12. Legacy: Be a good ancestor and leave the jersey in a better place

Plant trees you'll never see.

Think long-term. Encourage team members to consider their long-term impact and the legacy they want to leave behind. The All Blacks' focus on "leaving the jersey in a better place" exemplifies this forward-thinking approach.

Connect past, present, and future. Use stories, rituals, and symbols to create a sense of continuity and shared history within the team. This connection to a larger narrative can inspire individuals to contribute to something greater than themselves.

Stewardship mentality. Foster a sense of responsibility for the team's long-term success, beyond individual tenure or immediate goals. This mindset encourages sustainable decision-making and a focus on developing future leaders.

Last updated: January 23, 2025