IN A ROUSING concluding battle waged last Sunday, New Zealand finally won the Rugby World Cup, shrugging off the spirited challenge of a gallant French side.
A nation which had held its breath for twenty four long years, eventually heaved a sigh of relief. It was a truly magical moment, as rugby had returned to its spiritual home. Finally the Rugby World Cup is in the possession of the nation, which perhaps deserves it more than all the others. Because in New Zealand, rugby is a part of the bloodstream; and their beloved team The All Blacks, are nothing short of warriors for the national cause.
But in this triumph sculpted by the sweat of brow and the strength of resolve, there lie lessons pertinent to an entirely different realm. For as the corporate world prepares for its own scrums and lineouts, inspiration beckons from an unlikely source. A source conditioned to finding a way past intimidating odds and scoring brilliant tries-The New Zealand national rugby team, the one and only All Blacks.
The importance of a great start
The All Blacks begin every match, by conducting one of the most fascinating rituals in all sport- ‘the Hakka’. This is an ancient Maori war dance brought forward to great effect in present times. It is rendered with utmost passion and vigor; and leaves no stone unturned in terms of communicating to the other team, what they are likely to face on the pitch.
The great military strategist Sun Tzu once remarked, ‘every battle is won, before it is fought’. And this certainly holds true for battles waged both on the sporting pitch, and in the boardroom. The importance of making a great first impression cannot be stressed enough; be it at a prospective job interview, or on the mind of a potential customer in the market. The white collar world could do well, to uncover its own ‘Hakka’ equivalent of preparations. After all as the old adage goes, ‘one never gets a second chance, to make a first impression’.
The shift to a team ethic
The Rugby World Cups of 1995 and 1999; were graced by a colossus called Jonah Lomu, for many the greatest rugby player of all time. Lomu simply powered his way past opponents to score tries, with the regularity of a sub continental team appealing for a leg before decision. But Lomu’s presence, tended to make the game of The All Blacks, rather lopsided. A facet exploited by astute opponents in crunch games during those World Cups. By contrast this All Blacks team was far more balanced, never entirely reliant on individuals. This was a facet which came to the fore during the final; when they lost their key playmaker to injury, and their principal penalty taker, to a bad day at the office.
While stars undoubtedly add to the vitality of a company, overreliance on them is seldom a smart corporate strategy. Like in all team sport, motivating the entire team to pull its own weight is always a more fulfilling approach. Not only from the objective of the meeting the challenge at hand, but also from the perspective of developing employees. Building a team brings a balance and synergy, which often trumps all obstacles. As the All Blacks class of 2011 so gloriously showed.
The shoring up of a ‘weakness’
Historically The All Blacks have always been famed for their all out attacking approach. They are an unfettered flair unit, which play exciting rugby. But in this World Cup, especially over the grim semi final against Australia, and in the debilitating final against France, it was the often unsung defense of the All Blacks which ensured that they emerged victorious. The need to stand firm in the face of great pressure, and protect leads at points eschewing attacking options, was the one factor which ensured that this time, New Zealand would not be heartbroken.
Often companies turn a blind eye to their weaknesses. Innovative companies often pay scant respect to service parameters. Cars which exude power often leave the conversation on fuel economy unfinished. In these competitive times however, it is often the weakness of a company which begins to stand out like a sore thumb. An invention centric company begins to lose market share, when perception about its after sales service begins to take a hit. In business these days, it pays to try and cover all the bases, as much as possible; as the All Blacks found to their advantage at Eden Park last Sunday.
The opportunity to learn from failure
New Zealand is very unforgiving, when it comes to losing at a Rugby World Cup. The coach is usually sacked. But in a landmark move of faith and persistence, Graham Henry was given a second chance, after the debacle of 2007. And he had the unique opportunity, of learning from his mistakes the last time around, when this World Cup was upon him.
The ability to learn from failure, is an invaluable mindset that every company and individual need to develop. From the quest for a newer breakthrough idea, to the ability to begin tackling the same challenge via a different approach; failure is one of life’s great teachers. Perhaps it is time for the business world to develop an open tolerance of failure, especially if insightful lessons have been uncovered along the way. The example of Graham Henry does prove that, giving a second chance to someone who has learnt from setbacks, can sometimes lead to extraordinary success.
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When the All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw held aloft the World Cup; two sports had returned to their ‘home’ countries. Cricket with India’s triumph this year and now rugby. It will be interesting to see, if soccer follows suit in Brazil 2014.
As the euphoria of the All Blacks crosses the oceans, and begins to permeate the walls of offices in India; there is much more than rugby that their exploits are looking to inspire. For modern day businesses could also do with a shot of adrenaline in their functioning. Even if white collar workers aren’t yet ready to do ‘The Hakka’ in front of their clients just yet.
