How to build high performing teams - a leadership lesson from the Springboks rugby team!

If you are a rugby fan, you are probably still recovering from a very exciting World Cup semifinal weekend! The game between England and South Africa could probably serve on its own as a case study for strategy, execution and resilience - on both sides. Maybe as remarkable as the performance on the field, I found two answers given by South African Head Coach Jacques Nienaber and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi during the post-game press conference.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaacFXKFT6o)

For those that did not watch the game, South Africa was under heavy pressure from a strategically well-directed English team for almost 70 minutes. About 30 minutes into the game, the South African coaching team made a strategic decision to replace one of the key players from the starting lineup, followed by several other changes that eventually led to an amazing one-point victory. Asked about why he would risk "humiliating" one of his key players by pulling him out of the game this early, Mr Nienaber said that any decisions would be always made for the good of the team. He further added, that the squad’s players would understand that playing for the Springboks was to serve a higher purpose of serving South Africa, and not to serve individuals.

A few minutes later, a journalist asked South Africa’s captain Siya Kolisi about the contribution South Africa’s outgoing Head Coach Jacques Nienaber had brought to the team. Seemingly moved by the question, Mr Kolisi first named Mr Nienaber’s ability to go far deeper than what was happening on the field. Mr Nienaber had the ability to develop deep personal relationships that would reach far into each players personal life and journey. For Mr Kolisi, and also for the team, it was important to be cared for as a person, not just as a rugby player. This gave Mr Nienaber the opportunity to tap into each player's individual motivations before crucial games. He also mentioned the tough times, when Mr Nienaber's open and honest feedback on his performance helped him to improve his game.

I have to admit, two highly difficult games in a row that were won by just one point, close to the final whistle, with the Springboks being the trailing team, have left me on the edge of my seat. At the same time, this Springbok team has inspired me with their exceptional team spirit, their unwavering trust in each other, their humility and their resilience.

Mr Kolisi and Mr Nienaber have shared with us the three simple elements that are key in building a high performing and resilient team, creating a collective mindset that remains engaged and positive, even when facing adversity and difficult decision making:

1. Build personal relationships with your team members. This has much to do with a deeper personal discovery and a keen interest “to get to know each other”. In South Africa, the greeting “Sawubona” basically means “I see you”. That’s pretty much sums it up for me: do not just recognise the professional skills of your team member, but recognise the person, personal motivations, interests, family etc……being recognised as an individual is the foundation of being a good team player!
2. Give open and honest feedback - always. By giving (and receiving) open and honest feedback individually and collectively a team culture is established, that leaves little room for interpretation and politics. This allows your team to fully focus on the important topics!
3. Establish and communicate a higher purpose. I think it was Richard Rose who said: “The ego is the single biggest obstruction to the achievement of anything”. In African culture, the philosophy of “Ubuntu” describes the relationship of the individual with regards to the community. While everyone is responsible for their own actions, the important measure is how these actions serve and uplift the “community”, or the team. Or in other words: "I am because of who we are."

Of course, my heart beats for South Africa and I hope that they can lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time. Siya Kolisi emphasised many times, just how important this would be for the country. But irrespective of the outcome next weekend, to me this Springbok squad is already an inspiring example of modern leadership principles. And of those, with all the challenges in the world, we could use a lot more of!