As the Rugby World Cup nears, lessons in preparing both sport and business teams come into focus.
- Former England rugby player Tom May highlights the pivotal role of team empowerment in achieving success.
- May notes the importance of enabling environments, drawing parallels between sports teams and corporate settings.
- The creation of a supportive internal culture can significantly influence performance outcomes.
- Involving team members in decision-making processes ensures a more dynamic and effective organisational culture.
Former England rugby international, Tom May, shares insightful parallels between sports and business as the Rugby World Cup approaches. With vast experience in rugby and business management, he underscores the critical role of empowering team members to enhance performance in both arenas.
May emphasizes that whether in sports or corporate environments, a team’s success largely depends on the empowered contributions of its members. Team performance is intrinsically linked to the environment crafted by leadership.
Understanding the impact of leadership on team dynamics, May advocates for an inclusive culture. He warns against crafting teams based solely on specific skills or personalities, stressing that diversity in working styles can drive success.
He further explores the concept of ‘results based business’ in both fields, explaining that organisational culture directly affects outcomes, whether in the boardroom or on the rugby field.
May advises leaders to actively involve teams in the creation of cultural processes, promoting enthusiasm and empowerment. He highlights the need for internal cultures that support collaboration without stifling healthy competition.
The lessons from sports are clear: nurturing a variety of personalities within a team can be more beneficial than merely assembling talent, handling egos effectively is crucial.
Adrian Lewis, former player and current commercial director, concurs with May, asserting the value of teamwork in achieving synergy and results.
May concludes that the role of a senior executive is akin to an alchemist, blending diverse elements to foster a culture of aspiration and inclusivity, ultimately leading to success.
Tom May’s insights offer valuable guidance for organisations seeking to thrive through empowered and collaborative cultures.
