Navigating Leadership: The Power of Critical Moments, Critical Relationships, and Preparation

One of the tools and frameworks we teach leaders to be able to perform at the highest level is GAZING RED2BLUE .?Being a certified Gazing R2B coach enables me to share what many successful leaders, elite sports leaders, and military leaders are doing to achieve extraordinary results.

They all have the ability to perform at the highest level in mission critical situations. And what fascinates me is that they all do very similar things - there are patterns to success!

Recently, in our practitioner forum, a video was shared by Dan Abrahams on how Richie McCaw, former captain of the All Blacks, prepares for a match and his leadership role. It mirrors what I teach around the importance of knowing your critical moments to perform at your best and the critical relationships you need to achieve your goals.?

For interest, Dan Abrahams is an elite coach who I respect as he has worked at the highest level in a number of sports and shares great insights. He focusses on 3 key elements: Focus (Control of Attention), Intensity (To be able to play at an optimal level of intensity), and Intent (To be able to execute actions with energy forward - a positive intent)

How to perform in mission critical situations

Imagine Richie McCaw preparing for a critical game. McCaw was legendary not just for his physical prowess and skill on the field, but for the intense mental preparation he brought to every critical match. His approach gives us a powerful example of how to show up as a leader in those defining moments.

McCaw didn’t just rely on natural talent or last-minute pep talks. His preparation was rooted in three pillars: anticipation, ritual, and connection with his team. Here's his notebook with his preparation before a critical match...

Interestingly Dan Carter did the same.

1. Anticipation: Visualising Success and Challenges

For McCaw, every game started long before stepping onto the pitch. He meticulously visualised the match in advance, not just the big plays or the moment of victory but the tough situations, the points in the game where he knew he would face intense pressure. This mental rehearsal allowed him to be mentally ready for the unexpected, so when high-stakes moments arrived, he felt like he had already “lived” them.

He knew how he wanted to react, which helped him stay calm, clear, and focused. As a leader, this kind of anticipation is invaluable. Taking time to “pre-live” your critical moments helps you avoid being caught off guard.

It’s about asking: What will a successful outcome look and feel like? What will I do if things don’t go as planned? How will I stay grounded and resilient? This practice is a game-changer for leaders facing high-stakes decisions or presentations.

2. Ritual: Consistency Under Pressure

McCaw was known for following a series of pre-game rituals that created a sense of calm and focus. These weren’t just habits; they were grounding practices that brought him into the right headspace every single time.

Whether it was putting on his kit in a particular order, taking a few deep breaths, or even having a specific playlist, these rituals helped him tap into his best performance regardless of external pressures.

For leaders, rituals can create similar consistency. Before a big presentation, negotiation, or team meeting, having a pre-event routine—even something as simple as taking a moment of silence or setting an intention—can help shift you from “preparation mode” to “performance mode.” It’s a way of anchoring yourself in a calm, empowered state.

3. Connection: Building a Cohesive Team

Lastly, McCaw knew that no matter how prepared he was, a match wasn’t won alone. Before games, he focused on connection. He’d make it a point to connect with teammates, aligning on their shared purpose and their commitment to one another. He inspired each member to bring their best, not just for themselves but for the whole team. That sense of camaraderie and mutual accountability made the All Blacks an unstoppable force.

In leadership, this connection is just as critical. Before tackling a big project or leading your team through a challenging time, taking moments to align as a group strengthens everyone’s resolve and clarity.

It’s about reminding each member of their value and why the goal matters.

Bringing it Together in Leadership

For Richie McCaw, these pillars of preparation made the difference between being a good player and a great leader. As leaders, we can learn so much from his approach.

By identifying and visualising critical moments, establishing grounding rituals, and prioritising team connection, we can lead with resilience and inspire those around us to perform at their highest level.

The next time you face a high-stakes moment, remember McCaw’s approach. Treat it not just as another “game” but as an opportunity to step up, inspire, and create a lasting impact for your team. And enjoy it!

What can you do?

If you’re ready to explore and leverage your critical moments and relationships, try this practical framework:

1. Reflect and Record: Set aside time to document key moments in your career where you learned a valuable lesson or made a pivotal decision. Write down the relationships that have most influenced you. Get specific.
2. Extract the Lessons: For each critical moment and relationship, ask yourself: What did I learn here? How did this shape my leadership style, values, or vision?
3. Apply and Act: Think about how these moments and relationships can inform your current challenges. Can you approach a situation differently based on what you learned? Are you fostering the relationships that help you grow?
4. Revisit and Reassess: As your career evolves, so will your critical moments and relationships. Regularly revisit this exercise, and make adjustments as your leadership journey unfolds.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaway 1: Own your critical moments. Use them as tools for self-assessment. Reflect on questions like: What did I learn about myself? What would I do differently next time? How did I impact those around me?

Key Takeaway 2: Identify and nurture your critical relationships. Ask yourself: Who has had the most impact on my growth as a leader? Who brings out my best thinking, and who challenges me to improve? What am I doing to build, sustain, and honour these connections?

Key Takeaway 3: Remember Richie. Identify and visualise critical moments, establish grounding rituals, and prioritise team connection.

Leadership is an ongoing journey. By acknowledging the power of critical moments and relationships, you don’t just deepen your understanding of yourself; you inspire growth in those around you. In the end, these moments and connections are what differentiate leaders who merely get things done from those who leave an enduring impact.

Every leader has the potential to create defining moments and relationships that resonate for a lifetime. What are yours?

Every success,

Graham

www.thesuccessfactory.co.uk

www.grahamwilson.com