5 Lessons Hidden from Siya Kolisi

For those who do not know, rugby is one of my favourite sports. Some of you might find it strange that a Portuguese would like rugby instead of soccer. I like both. I am not a big fan who suffers for their team, follows the group in the rain, sun, and cold, or travels around to support the team. I am a proud, quiet supporter.?

It was in South Africa that I fell in love with rugby. First, it was a way to connect with people, make small talk, and then connect and empathise with clients. Ultimately, I started to appreciate how players played the game, understand the rules, the passion, the leadership lessons I could take and learn, and the respect rugby players and coaches have for the game's rules and the referees. In rugby, there is never the blame or the excuse that your team lost the game due to the referee's mistake. Rarely or most of the time, there are no fights on the field, encounters, or rage between players. There is respect and fair play, something that soccer could learn from. It is curious to see how big, strong man, bound, and are soft and gentle at heart.

In South Africa, we followed and supported the Springboks. We still do. Supporting the Springboks is a way to keep the South African culture alive in our home. It is a way to connect us with the country we love so much that we call our second homeland. Okay, back to rugby.

In 2019, we watched and celebrated the World Rugby Cup win by the Springboks, defeating England 32-12. It was not a repeat of the 1995 game when the Springboks, under the guidance of Francois Pienaar, won the World Cup, defeating the All Blacks 15-12. The event and the celebrations united the country, still divided even after the end of Apartheid. I believe you know the story depicted in the film "Invictus" where Madiba asks Francois to lead the Springboks to victory.? Siya Kolisi was the first black man to be captain of the Springboks in more than 100 years, and we saw him rise as a natural-born leader.

"I wish I’d had a mentor that told me you’re going to face these challenges and you must be prepared to fight them" - Siya Kolisi

One of his finest leadership moments was during the current World Cup in France. Sya demonstrated leadership in a press conference interview where he seconded Jacques Nienaber, the Springboks' coach.

These are the five leadership lessons I learned from Siya:

1. Teamwork and Support:?Effective leadership fosters teamwork and support within the group. Leaders should encourage team members to help each other when one person is struggling, just like when someone else steps in when someone lacks a particular skill.
2. Leadership Sharing:?Leadership doesn't always rest solely on one individual's shoulders. Sya mentions that different team members may take on leadership roles at other times, depending on their strengths and the situation. Influential and effective leaders understand when to delegate or share leadership responsibilities.
3. Emphasising Strengths:?Leaders should focus on leveraging team members' strengths rather than dwelling on their weaknesses. Highlighting what individuals do well can boost their confidence and overall team morale.
4. Adaptability:?Leadership involves adaptability and flexibility. Leaders should be able to adapt to changing situations and handle unexpected challenges, as Sya mentions, adjusting to a player's performance on a given day.
5. Resilience and Moving Forward:?Leaders should promote resilience and a forward-looking mindset. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or shortcomings, leaders should encourage the team to learn from them and move forward.

Leadership is about more than who is in charge. It is about taking care of the ones you are in charge of. It is not a title. It is how you approach authentically the role others trusted you with. These qualities and lessons can be applied in any setting: Business, family and friends. Be supportive and not help break down. Siya is a pure, raw, authentic leader.

About Coach Cas

Cas is a dad, a coach, a business leader, and the founder of Bring The Best , a coaching company that inspires clients to create abundance in their lives and the lives of others.

You can talk to Cas?here ?and follow him on Linkedin and Instagram.

PS - I have it here for you if you missed the interview.