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Legacy by James W. Kerr

by kymansblog

The New Zealand All Blacks would sweep the sheds after games. They stood by the saying “Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done.” I learned that balancing pride with humility makes the most successful leaders. Also, character will always win over talent. For example, a hard-working player with subpar skill is preferred over a ball-hogging diva who has skills. Results will eventually come about if a winning-friendly culture is established first. Our character decides our value.

When you’re on top of your game, change your game. The All Blacks are one of the most successful teams of all time and they were able to win by adapting in the face of adversity. Charles Darwin once said “It is not the strongest species that survives nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.” Each and every player in the organization took responsibility and owned up to their mistakes (which allowed them to improve upon them). Leaders create leaders.

Play with purpose. Owen Eastwood says “Purpose relates to an overarching goal beyond the practical missions that are pursued day in and day out.” If a team fights with the same goal or purpose, that team will go to “war” for each other. According to Bob Howitt, the addition of a leadership group encouraged teammates to respect and understand each other. Ask yourself “Why?”

Be a leader, not a follower. Leaders can create other leaders (not followers) by passing on responsibility (or “passing the ball”), establishing trust, accountability, and ownership. By sharing this responsibility and ownership players do not feel left out and would be more likely to work as a team towards the common goal. A team needs leaders; a team full of leaders would communicate and win while a team full of followers would not communicate and lose.

Leaders are teachers. They promote success and “success is the result of a long-term commitment to improving excellence.” Leadership leads to development of the team which equals more winning. Doing things 1% better everytime will add up in the long run. “Excellence is a process of evolution, of cumulative learning, of incremental improvement.” The first stage of learning is silence, the second stage is listening.

Follow the spearhead. “Fly in formation” in order to keep the team in check, any bad personality will lower the team’s success. The strength of the wolf is the pack. Players should put the team’s interest before themselves and only do what is best for the group. Sacrifice me for we. A Maori saying is somewhat along the lines of “A little water seeping through a small hole may swamp a canoe.”

Aim for the highest cloud. Andrew Mehrtens states that “A strong dislike of not being good enough is healthy.” A winning leader will have almost impossible goals and try to surpass them. Embrace expectations. If a “fear of failure” is accepted, the level of play will increase. Also, stories can open up our eyes to change and learn. Embrace expectations. 

Practice under pressure. The way the sapling is shaped determines how the tree grows. “Training to win” will train the brain so you are prepared in that situation come game time. Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali said “The fight is won or lost, far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, well before I dance under the lights.” Personal growth will be rapidly increased by training with intensity. Most people want to win but few will work for that very goal. Practice like you play.

Control your attention. Pressure can cause players to make bad decisions in the heat of the moment, not because of skill. Keeping a “Blue Head” is key to performing well; they are loose, calm, and on task. Mantras are key in times of heavy pressure and they serve as a way to think effectively using a “mental roadmap.” For example, KBA or Keep the Ball Alive.

Keep it real. Gilbert Enoka mentions that “Development of the authentic self, is hugely powerful to performance.” The ability to give honest feedback is key to a high performance environment. Teams also have to have integrity which means to honor your word. Knowing yourself will help you recognize the leader you are.

Champions do extra. They have a “First one there, last one out” type of mentality similar to some of the greats like Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality.” Champions will do anything if it means that the team will win or score.. Put yourself out of your comfort zone. Find something that you are prepared to die for and give your life for it. Put your balls on the line.

Sing your world into existence. Leaders are storytellers and can unite the team with a story. Organizations stand for something. For example, Nike’s “Just Do It” and Apple’s “Think Different.” Metaphors help us understand life in general. Winning cultures need language and/or vocabulary that bonds the team together. Words start revolutions. 

Create a culture. Rituals help to connect the team to its own core values and remind them of their purpose. For example, Notre Dame Fighting Irish touch the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign and the Clemson Tigers have Howard’s Rock. Rituals tell a story and create a legacy that never loses its meaning. Ritualize to actualize.

Be a good ancestor. Great leaders think towards the future and add to the legacy. An Old Greek proverb once said “A society grows when old men plant trees whose shade they will never see.” People are part of something bigger than life and should serve a common purpose.  All Blacks live by the saying “Leave the jersey in a better place.” Grow a branch forth for the days of your world.

This is your time. ”At the same time as the spiral is going forward, it is also returning.” Leave your mark on the world before you go as we only have so much time.