Since our last newsletter there have been a number of significant sporting occasions. Regardless of who you support, there are wonderful analogies between sport and business. Hawthorn’s Grand Final three-peat, the Cowboys fairy-tale Grand Final win with Johnathan Thurston’s extra time drop goal, a fourth RWC finals appearance for both the Wallabies and All Blacks and the complete dominance of Australia and New Zealand in world netball all have the hallmarks of not only successful teams, but outstanding organisations.
Arguably the most successful team in sporting history, the All Blacks have won 77% of their games since 1903, are the only international side with a winning record over every country they have played and have only been beaten by 5 nations in their 112 year history. As the first team to defend the RWC and to win three RWC finals, the question is how has this remarkable feat been achieved by the All Blacks?
It begins with the clarity of purpose, the structure to achieve that purpose, an uncompromising belief in themselves and those around them, detailed planning to leave no stone unturned, inspirational leadership at multiple levels and trusting that by putting everything in place, the results follow.
As I reflect on the many wonderful presentations at the Leadership Symposium held in Wellington two weeks ago, a common theme was about getting back to basics. The longer term strategic direction implemented through annual operational plans and sticking to your knitting. Really understanding who your constituents are and delivering valued products and services to them. Ensuring you have the best team around you, providing leadership to those people who are on-board with the organisational vision and allowing everyone to contribute in a meaningful way so the organisation can thrive.
AuSAE is also getting back to basics and I’m looking forward to sharing our new strategic framework with our constituents in the coming months. In the meantime, I’ll be having my once a year flutter on the race that stops the nation(s).
Brendon Ward, CEO, AuSAE
