What playing sport has taught me about business

Last week, my rugby team, the Brisbane Irish Rugby Club, won our very first 1st grade premiership. Now, let me be clear — we are by no means a premier-grade club. We have our roots firmly planted in the suburban competition. Yet, the desire to win, the passion, the brotherhood, the blood, sweat, and certainly the tears, have been no less real for us than for the top-tier teams.

For over 25 years, the Brisbane Irish Rugby Club has been a fixture in the Brisbane rugby scene. In that time, we've been knocked out of seven finals. Of those, I've played in five, and I am incredibly proud to say that I was part of the team that brought home our first premiership this year.

Once the celebrations faded and the adrenaline rush subsided, I found myself reflecting on what this journey — this campaign over seven seasons — had taught me about business. Many of these lessons were forged in the crucible of the last two years.

Now, I'm no 'LinkedIn influencer.' But if anyone reads this, that was feeling doubts, fears, anxieties, loss, then goes on to feel a renewed sense of hope, if this post encourages them to persist in their career, to chase their dreams and pursue their passion, then I would have achieved what I set out to do.

Keep Coming Back

We've seen more than our fair share of losses. After each knockout, you could read the devastation etched on the faces of my teammates in the locker room, and no doubt, my own expression mirrored theirs. The heartbreak of defeat was enough to make anyone consider throwing in the towel. But each of us had a hunger, a desire for victory, and we knew the only path to it was to return next season

When the new season came around, we were there, eager to learn and grow, ready to face the uphill battle once again. And we knew that we needed to be not just as good as before, but better.

The reality is, 99% of people, teams, and businesses will confront what feels like failure at some point. But those who go on to clinch premierships, build successful businesses, or surmount personal challenges are those who persevere. They are the ones who come back, time and again.

This has been my experience on the rugby field, and it’s a lesson I’ve taken to heart in the business world as well. If there's something you want to achieve, don't shy away when faced with failure. Instead, keep coming back, keep learning, keep growing.

Your desire to achieve can outlast any failure if you have the courage to return to the half way line, again and again. After all, every new season is a chance to be better than we were.

Find Your "Why"

At 35 years old, with 25 years of rugby and 9 years in the army under my belt, I bear the scars and injuries of physical pursuits. Many would argue that any sane person would have retired after their first major surgery. But my reason for persevering, for staying motivated, for believing in our capability as a team, was deeply rooted.

My "why" was, and still is, my team. After leaving the army, I experienced a profound sense of loss — as though I'd lost my family. But I found a new family in my rugby club. There were people there who not only helped me succeed and progress in business but stood by me during some of my toughest personal trials. Some of my fondest memories are with this team - experiencing births, attending marriages, enjoying unforgettable nights out. I wanted to do this for them. I wanted to retire knowing I had contributed to the ultimate goal of a club that had been there for me during pivotal moments in my life.

This strong "why" kept me motivated. And the power of understanding your "why" holds true in business too. Once you've identified it, you become an unstoppable force. Maybe you're driven by a desire to disrupt your industry, to build a legacy, to create solutions to complex problems, or to shape a future you'd be proud to leave to your children. Whatever it is, this driving force will keep you focused and resilient through the toughest of times.

Identifying your "why" is like finding the compass that will guide you through the twists and turns of your journey, in sport, business, and life. In essence, your "why" is your ultimate source of motivation, propelling you forward when challenges seem insurmountable.

Humble in Victory, Stoic in Defeat

In the aftermath of a defeat, you truly see the character of the opposing team. There are two types of victors: those who approach you, shake your hand, express appreciation for the game and carry on, and then there are those who whoop, holler, and rub their victory in your face.

I've always felt a sense of unease before replaying the teams that were humble in their victories. Their humility reflected discipline and confidence - an intimidating combination. On the other hand, those who excessively celebrated often exuded an air of relief rather than triumph, as if they were unsure of their own ability to secure the victory in the first place.

This dynamic isn't exclusive to the rugby field - it's also present in the business world. We all have competitors, but that doesn't make them our enemies. Those who exhibit humility in their success emit a very different vibe compared to those who revel in others' failures.

As a business, resist the urge to belittle your competition or speak ill of former employees / employers. Instead, strive to be perceived as humble and respectful. This attitude will not only shape the perception of your peers in the industry but will also leave a positive impression on your clients.

After all, humility and stoicism are not signs of weakness, but indicators of strength, discipline, and quiet confidence. And these qualities are universally respected, whether on the playing field or in the corporate world.

Know When to Substitute Yourself; Know When to Sit Out a Game

This is, without a doubt, my most significant lesson and the one I hope readers will deeply reflect on and take away.

As I mentioned earlier, I served 9 years in the army, during which I completed tours in East Timor and Afghanistan. We operated in 8-person teams. In high-risk areas like Afghanistan, if you were injured during a patrol, you'd push on until your team was out of danger. Each soldier had a unique role within the section, making it hard to substitute in the heat of battle. While this level of reliance built a potent sense of camaraderie, it wasn't an ideal approach for teams operating outside these circumstances - a realization that I wish had dawned on me earlier.

Some of my biggest regrets and failures, the times when I've let down people that I care about, happened when I neglected to take care of myself. On the rugby field, if you get injured and don't voice out, thus inhibiting your ability to defend or attack, you essentially weaken the entire team. I've learned that admitting when you're hurt or out of gas, and need time to recuperate, is vital. Any good team will understand and cover for you while you recover, welcoming you back upon your return, thus ensuring the team continues to function as a strong unit.

The same holds true in the world of business. When you feel a sense of weariness or burnout, it's essential to speak up. High-performing individuals often feel a duty to press on, not realizing how their compromised state weakens the entire team. It's far better to take a short recovery break and return to 100% capability than to continue operating at 40% and risk spiraling into a major issue that could cost the entire "game."

Remember, it's not just about your personal performance. Your health and well-being directly influence the strength of your team, whether on the sports field or in the boardroom. So don't be afraid to sit out a game now and then - your team needs you at your best, not just at your most present.

Conclusion

The principles that underpin success in both the sports and business world are strikingly similar. From my years playing rugby, I've learned the value of resilience, understanding my 'why', maintaining humility in victory and stoicism in defeat, and the significance of self-care. These principles have become my compass in business, guiding not just my work but also my interactions with team members, competitors, and the wider industry.

For anyone grappling with challenges, remember the journey to success is rarely linear. It's about resilience, having a clear purpose, demonstrating humility, and prioritizing your well-being. Whether on a rugby field or in a boardroom, these lessons aren't just about becoming a better player or a successful professional; they're about molding you into a stronger, more resilient individual, ready to handle life's hurdles.