No D*ckheads and ‘Sweeping the Sheds’ with the All Blacks

Whilst coaching a keen rugby fan, he told me that one success driver the All Blacks - the most decorated side in history - don’t keep secret is their mantra ‘No D*ckheads’. Apologies, and no offense intended, but it is a wonderfully blunt but effective reminder that an exceptional environment is essential in order to achieve the highest success. And even one person who’s an irritant can lose you that winning edge.

A slightly less direct, but equally striking analogy from James Kerr’s book Legacy is that the players always tidy up after themselves, whether in a muddy changing room or busy conference: “Sweeping the Sheds as they call it. Doing it properly. So no one else has to. Because no one looks after the All Blacks. The All Blacks look after themselves.”  - A stark reminder of the importance of humility, even at the dizzying heights of the wonderful All Blacks!