Book Summary: Legacy: What the All Blacks can teach us about the business of life by James Kerr
I’ve just been re-reading a classic leadership book – Legacy by James Kerr. Leadership and life lessons from the New Zealand All Blacks, the world’s most successful rugby team. Kerr reveals 15 powerful and practical principles that the All Blacks use to create a culture of excellence, resilience, and teamwork.
Legacy may not appeal to everyone as it is full of sporting analogies and lots of anecdotes about the world of international rugby. Nevertheless, it is also full of fabulous real-world leadership ideas as well as practical strategies for creating a positive, growth-mindset culture. And it’s also inspiring to read about the All Blacks journey from one of the lowest points in their history to regaining their ascendancy on the world stage. Lots of great leadership quotes too.
Kerr describes how the All Blacks have managed to sustain their success over decades by helping players align personal meaning to a higher purpose; being ‘good ancestors’ who leave the jersey in a better place. The book also draws on insights from Māori traditions and culture, as well as from other successful leaders and coaches in sport and business from all over the world.
Legacy is a unique and inspiring handbook for anyone who wants to lead others, create a sustainable workplace culture, or simply lift their own performance to a higher level. An easy and inspiring read. And some great reminders of simple, fundamental leadership principles.
Here’s a brief synopsis of the All Blacks’ 15 core principles:
- Character: Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done. Character triumphs over talent.
- Adapt: When you’re on top of your game, change your game. A winning organisation is an environment of personal and professional development, in which each individual takes responsibility and shares ownership.
- Purpose: Ask ‘Why?’. Our fundamental human drive comes from within – from intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivations. Inspired leaders and organisations attract followers through shared values, vision and beliefs.
- Responsibility: Leaders create leaders. Leaders empower individuals by passing on responsibility, creating ownership, accountability, and trust.
- Learn: Create a learning environment. Leaders are teachers. Excellence is a process of cumulative learning and incremental improvement.
- Whanau: Whanau is a Māori word for extended family. Everyone works together towards the same goal. The All Blacks have a very clear ‘no dickheads’ policy. No one is bigger than the team.
- Expectations: Aim for the highest cloud. Setting personal goals and team targets is part of what drives improvement. Dream big.
- Preparation: Train to win. Practice under pressure. Do the extra work to make the difference.
- Pressure: Keep a blue head. Control your attention. Stay calm when the heat is on and make the right decisions under pressure.
- Authenticity: Know thyself. Be true to yourself and your values. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
- Sacrifice: Find something you would die for and give your life to it. Put the team first. Make sacrifices for the greater good.
- Language: Watch your words. Language shapes behaviour and beliefs. Choose words that empower and inspire yourself and others.
- Ritual: Create a culture. Rituals are a framework that holds the belief system in place and reconnects the team to their fundamental purpose.
- Whakapapa: Be a good ancestor. Whakapapa is a Māori word for genealogy or lineage. It means planting trees you’ll never see. Leave the jersey in a better place.
- Legacy: Write your legacy. This is your time. Make it count.