Legacy: 15 Lessons in Leadership
© James Kerr (2013)
Lucia O’Riordan – Shares her thoughts on James Kerr’s book.
NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | 5 MINS READ
While undertaking an IMI Leadership Programme a few years ago, I was introduced to James Kerr’s book – “Legacy”. It became one of my favourites and a book I revisit repeatedly.
There are no less than 𝟭𝟱 guiding principles of the ALL BLACKS documented in the book. The methods they developed have led to an exceptionally high-performance culture and provide an inspiring and effective model for business leaders.
As an avid rugby fan with a passion for coaching leaders, I thoroughly believe that these 𝟭𝟱 principles can be adopted by leaders seeking to create the right environment for their teams and businesses to flourish.
My Key Takeaways…
1. Character
Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done.
Character begins with humility.
Performance = Capability + Behavior.
A values-based, purpose-driven culture is a foundation of the All Blacks’ approach and sustained success.
2. Adapt
When you’re on top of your game, change your game. Make a case for
change, provide a compelling picture of the future, sustain the capability to change,
and create a credible plan to execute.
3. Purpose
Ask ‘Why?’ Create an environment that stimulates others and influences
them to want to take part in it.
4. Responsibility
Leaders create leaders by passing on responsibility, creating
ownership, accountability and trust.
5. Learn
Leaders are teachers and learners. Create an environment that delivers the
opportunity for personal growth and professional development.
6. Whanau
Follow the spearhead. A flock of birds flying in formation is 70 percent
more efficient than flying solo. One of the first steps in developing a high performance
culture is to select on character.
7. Expectations
Aim for the highest cloud. We learn best – and change – from hearing
aspirational stories that resonate with us.
8. Preparation
Practice under pressure to enable self-trust and enable the abilities to
maintain clarity, situational awareness, accurate analysis, and good decision-making.
9. Pressure
Control your attention. Bad decisions are not made through a lack of skill
or innate judgment. They are made because of an inability to handle pressure at the
pivotal moment.
10. Authenticity
Keep it real through a strong identity and trust in the sense of safe
vulnerability – while exercising honesty and integrity.
11. Sacrifice
Find something you would die for and give your life to it.
12. Language
Sing your world into existence. We are ‘meaning’ making machines,
interpreting and reinterpreting a sequence of events into a narrative form and
re-assembling at will.
13. Ritual
Create a culture. ‘Ritualize to actualize’ by telling your story, involving your
people, and creating a legacy – while making the intangible real.
14. Whakapapa
Plant trees you’ll never see by being a good ancestor.
15. Legacy
This is your time to make a purposeful contribution.