Leadership Is About Recognition: Success Is Never Achieved Alone

Success is never just about the present. It is about the foundation laid by those who came before, the sacrifices made, and the lessons passed down. Leadership is not only about driving a team forward but also about acknowledging the work of those who paved the way.

Spain’s Los Leones learned this the hard way.

They had earned their place in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, securing qualification for the first time since 1999. It was a historic moment. A testament to years of effort, sacrifice, and belief.

And then, in an instant, it was taken away.

?? The Pain of Disqualification

Due to an ineligible player—who had appeared in two matches with allegedly falsified residency papers—Spain was disqualified from the tournament and replaced by Romania.

Decisions were made in boardrooms, but the real loss was felt in the locker room. For the players who had fought on the pitch, the ones who had lived every tackle, every scrum, and every sprint toward victory, this was not just a technicality. It was the erasure of a dream.

They had earned that World Cup spot. They had fought for it.

And yet, when the tournament kicked off in France, they were not there.

But leadership isn’t about dwelling on setbacks. It’s about how you choose to move forward.

?? A New Chapter: Spain vs. The Netherlands

Fast-forward to last weekend. 6,000 fans packed the Estadio Nacional Complutense in Madrid as Spain faced the Netherlands. It was more than just a game—it was a statement.

The message?

This team is ready to take Spanish rugby to another level.

They played with intensity. With purpose. With something bigger than just a win in mind.

And they delivered. A dominant performance, a decisive victory, and a clear path to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

But what happened before the match might be even more powerful than what happened on the field.

?? Recognition: The True Mark of Leadership

Before stepping onto the pitch, the players gathered in their locker room. Hanging on the wall was a special jersey—one that carried the names of the players who had qualified for the 2023 World Cup but never got to play in it.

?? Among the names were: Fer López, Marco Pinto, Lucas Guillaume, Manu Mora, Afa Tauli, Hnos Rouet, Manu Ordás, Jordi Jorba, Charlie Malie, Viti Sánchez, Bauti Güemes, Facu Domínguez, Fabien Perrin, Tomy Munilla, Anibal Bonan, Kawa Leauma, Vitor Aboitiz, Julen Goia...

The message was clear:

"We play for them, too."

Recognition doesn’t change the past. It doesn’t erase mistakes. But it honors the work, the sweat, and the sacrifices of those who came before.

The idea came from Víctor Alonso (Director of Marketing of the Spanish Rugby Federation) and Pablo Pérez (Team Manager of Los Leones). A simple yet powerful act that turned this game into something much more meaningful.

Because great teams don’t just look forward—they acknowledge the journey and the people who built the path.

?? What Can Leaders Learn From This?

Recognition is one of the most underrated leadership skills—but it’s one of the most powerful.

? Acknowledge those who laid the groundwork Success is rarely built alone. Behind every milestone, there are people who fought for that opportunity, even if they never got to enjoy the final reward.

? Culture is bigger than individual performance The best teams operate on shared values, respect, and gratitude. When people feel valued, they give more, fight harder, and stay committed for the long run.

? Leadership is about legacy, not just results Winning is important. But so is remembering who made it possible. The best leaders don’t just chase success—they build cultures that respect and celebrate those who contributed along the way.

?? Reflection: Who Helped You Get Here?

In rugby, business, and life, we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

?? Who in your career deserves recognition for helping you succeed? Have you taken the time to acknowledge them?

Let’s talk in the comments! ??. or ?? or spread ?? this post to inspire other.

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