3 Leadership Lessons from Sport

Let’s face it, leadership books are great, but nothing beats the raw, unvarnished truth that sport delivers about teamwork, strategy, and resilience. As a retired cricketer and avid golfer, I’ve spent plenty of time reflecting on how lessons from the pitch and the course seamlessly translate into businesses around the world.

Sport is a microcosm of life. You celebrate the highs, endure the lows, and learn the hard way that preparation, adaptability, and teamwork are non-negotiable if you want to succeed. And unlike that trendy leadership book gathering dust on your shelf, sport doesn’t let you skim chapters—it puts you right in the middle of the action and tests you mentally and physically.

Lesson #1: Preparation Wins Games

You don’t win championships on game day. The magic happens behind the scenes—during early mornings at the nets or countless hours on the putting green. In business, it’s the same. A stellar presentation or a groundbreaking product launch doesn’t materialise overnight. It’s the result of meticulous preparation, solid practice, and maybe a little sweat.

Lesson #2: Adaptability is Key

Every cricketer knows the weather, pitch conditions, and the opposition’s game plan can change in an instant. Likewise, in leadership, a perfectly planned meeting can derail with one unexpected question—or a Wi-Fi outage. Being adaptable isn’t just nice; it’s essential.

Lesson #3: Celebrate Wins

I’ll never forget the sheer joy of hitting a six or sinking a tricky putt for birdie. But it’s the team huddles, the shared high-fives, and the pub toasts afterward that stay with you. In the corporate world, we often skip this step. Celebrating even small victories can boost morale and remind everyone why the hard work is worth it. As the leader, don’t forget to receive gratitude as well as give it.

Why This Matters

Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about showing up prepared, staying flexible, and bringing the team along with you. And sometimes, it’s about knowing when to stop analysing and just take the shot.

James Kerr’s Legacy, a deep dive into the legendary All Blacks rugby team, perfectly captures this mindset. One of my favourite quotes: “Sweep the sheds.” The All Blacks believe no one is too big to do the small things that maintain a team's culture. It’s a humbling reminder that leadership starts with setting the example and living by your words.

So, whether you’re taking lessons from your weekend football game or studying the greats of sport, the principles remain the same. Play to your strengths, support your team, and never forget the importance of celebrating along the way.

How has sport influenced your leadership style? Share your own lessons in the comments—or let’s chat over a virtual coffee. If you’re ready to explore how these principles can shape your leadership journey, drop me a message. Let’s take your game to the next level.