Legacy

James Kerr

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cover backgroundLegacy

About this book

Go deep inside the heart of the New Zealand All Blacks, the world's most successful sporting team, and discover fifteen powerful lessons for leadership and business. In this 10th-anniversary edition, bestselling author James Kerr reveals the secrets to sustained success, world-class standards, and handling pressure. Legacy is more than a handbook; it's an invitation to become a champion. Sweep the sheds, follow the spearhead, keep a blue head, and strive to be a good ancestor. This book asks: How do you train to win at the highest level? What will be your legacy?

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Character First: The bedrock of lasting success.

    Champions of character: Legacy emphasizes that character is the foundation of sustained success. Inspired by the All Blacks, it promotes humility, integrity, and strong moral principles as essential for leadership. It's not just about winning, but how you win, focusing on building a culture of respect, responsibility, and ethical conduct. This idea highlights the importance of leading by example and fostering a team environment where character is valued as much as talent. Ultimately, a team's legacy is defined not only by its achievements but also by the character it displays both on and off the field.

  • Sweep the Sheds: Humility and Shared Responsibility.

    Sweep the sheds: This embodies humility and continuous improvement. Even the most successful individuals are expected to engage in menial tasks, reinforcing that no one is above contributing to the team's overall well-being. It promotes a culture where ego is suppressed, and everyone is grounded in the understanding that collective success requires every member to be willing to do what is necessary, regardless of status. This practice fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive team.

  • Go for the Gap: Embrace Opportunities and Calculated Risks.

    Go for the gap: Kerr underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and calculated risk-taking. It encourages leaders and teams to be proactive and decisive in pursuing their goals. This doesn't advocate for reckless behavior but for astute judgment and the courage to act when an advantage presents itself. It's about recognizing potential avenues for progress and having the confidence to commit to them fully. This mindset enables teams to stay ahead of the competition and achieve breakthroughs by embracing innovation and adaptability.

  • Pass the Ball: Empowering Others for Collective Success.

    Pass the ball: Good leaders empower others. It is not about individual glory but about enabling every team member to contribute their best. Sharing responsibility fosters trust and collaboration, creating a more resilient and adaptable team. Empowering others unlocks hidden potential and ensures that the team benefits from the diverse skills and perspectives of its members. This approach creates a dynamic environment where innovation thrives, and the team is greater than the sum of its parts.

  • Create a Learning Environment: Continuous Improvement and Adaptation.

    Create a Learning Environment: Legacy emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. High-performing teams are always seeking new knowledge, refining their skills, and adjusting their strategies based on feedback and experience. This involves encouraging open communication, embracing experimentation, and viewing failures as opportunities for growth. Fostering a culture of learning ensures that the team remains agile, innovative, and capable of responding effectively to changing circumstances. It's about creating a mindset where everyone is committed to lifelong learning and improvement.

  • Follow the Spearhead: Unity and Collective Action.

    Follow the spearhead: This idea emphasizes the importance of unity and collective action. Drawing from Maori culture, it illustrates how individual effort multiplies when aligned with a common purpose. It speaks to the strength found in shared vision and commitment, where each member understands their role in advancing the collective goal. This principle underscores the need for clear communication, mutual support, and coordinated action to achieve significant outcomes. By working together in a unified manner, teams can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable results.

  • Keep a Blue Head: Staying Calm Under Pressure.

    Keep a Blue Head: In high-pressure situations, maintaining composure is crucial. This principle advocates for emotional regulation and clear thinking even when faced with adversity. It's about developing the ability to stay calm, focused, and rational, avoiding impulsive reactions that can undermine performance. Developing mental resilience allows leaders and team members to make sound decisions, communicate effectively, and navigate challenges with greater confidence. This ability to remain composed under pressure is a hallmark of successful teams.

Chapter Recap

I CharacterIn Dunedin, on a cold day in June 2010, the All Blacks prepared to face Wales. As Graham Henry walked with his wife, Raewyn, and his assistants, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen, conferred with Darren Shand, the manager, Errol Collins, affectionately known as "Possum," laid out the sacred black jerseys,
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About The Author

James Kerr

James Kerr is a bestselling author, speaker and business consultant specialising in defining, designing and delivering change for leaders of world-class teams and organisations. His book, Legacy, reveals 15 leadership lessons from the All Blacks, the world’s most successful sporting team, and his corporate clients include HSBC, Boeing, Raffles, UBS and Shell. In the sporting arena he has also worked with UEFA, Team Origin, the RFU, Adidas and the Australian Kangaroos. His key message is that “higher purpose leads to higher performance” and that successful change begins with a values-based, vision-led, purpose driven mindset – and ends without it.

Main Quotes

"Better people make better All Blacks."

"Sweep the sheds."

"Go for the gap."

"Sing your world into being."

"Keep a blue head."

"Leaders create leaders."

"Follow the spearhead."

"Champions do extra."

"Sometimes you have to go slow to go fast."

"Know thyself."

Who Should Read This Book

Business leaders and managers

Sports coaches and team leaders

Individuals interested in leadership principles

Students of management and organizational behavior

Readers interested in the culture and success of the New Zealand All Blacks

People seeking inspiration and practical advice for achieving sustained success

Military leaders and personnel

Anyone interested in self-improvement and personal development through the lens of a successful team

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