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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Legacy by James Kerr provides valuable lessons from the culture of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. It explores the team's winning mindset, leadership strategies, and commitment to excellence that can be applied in any aspect of life.
In Legacy, James Kerr engages with the storied history and unique ethos of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. These athletes embody the principles of 'Whakapapa' and 'Tikanga', which underline the importance of knowing who you are and where you come from, while adhering to ethically correct behavior. Centrally, Kerr acquaints us with 'Haka', the ancestral war dance. To the All Blacks, the Haka is not just a fierce pre-game ritual, it's a reminder to stand strong and face life’s adversities head-on.
'Tikanga' also extends into maintaining a player-led culture. As part of the 'Sweep the Sheds' policy, every player, irrespective of their status, is expected to clean their locker room, promoting humility and collective responsibility. It's these deeply ingrained values and principles that have fashioned the All Blacks into the most successful sports team in history.
Continuing further into the essence of Legacy, Kerr elaborates on 'Whanau' or the sense of extended family, the significance of camaraderie and collective identity in the All Blacks’ culture. Building on 'Whakapapa', Kerr talks about the legacy - taking the jersey (or taking on a role), leaving it in a better place, and thus becoming a part of something greater than oneself. It's an invitation to greatness - an imperative to strive, for the betterment of the team.
'Going for the Gap' is another principle presented by Kerr, encouraging individuals to strive for continual improvement. A constant quest for leadership and excellence, and the insistence on innovation and adaptation, creates a cycle of advantage crucial to the All Blacks’ continued success. They continuously strive to better themselves, always 'fighting for the inch' – the minute advantages that collectively can be game changers.
Next, Kerr introduces us to 'Black Box Thinking', a principle centred on assuming responsibility and learning from failure. The All Blacks’ commitment to confronting their mistakes and weaknesses has fostered an environment where every player constantly seeks improvement. The team’s culture of honesty, courage, and comradeship nurtures resilience in the face of adversity and encourages personal growth on and off the field.
The book also explores the concept of 'Authentic Leadership'. A true leader, in the All Blacks' eyes, is a 'Kaitiaki' or a guardian whose role is to guard the legacy. Kerr encourages the creation of leaders throughout the organization, extending leadership responsibilities to all. He argues that leadership is not a privilege reserved for a select few but a responsibility shouldered by all players, leading not by the rank of their jersey, but by their action and character.
The analogy of 'A Plant that Grows' describes how the All Blacks’ chief intention is to represent and honour those who came before them, those they play with now, and those who will wear the jersey in the future. Their obligation to enhance their legacy and leave the jersey in a better place underlines the embodiment of their longstanding values.
In conclusion, Legacy encapsulates a journey exploring the ideology that has been crucial to the sustained success of the All Blacks. It demonstrates how the application of these principles, rooted in the New Zealand tribe's cultural traditions, can be used to guide individuals and teams in every sphere of life, not just rugby. Kerr presents a roadmap to potential greatness by embracing one's roots, striving for leadership, assuming responsibility, and growing with and within one's team.
Legacy explores the leadership principles and cultural values that have made the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team one of the most successful sports teams in history. Drawing on interviews with players and coaches, the book offers valuable insights into building a winning team and leaving a lasting legacy. It delves into topics such as accountability, humility, and continuous improvement, providing valuable lessons for leaders in any field.
Legacy (2013) by James Kerr explores the secrets of the immensely successful All Blacks rugby team and provides valuable insights that can be applied to any aspect of life. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
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Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Legacy?
The main message of Legacy is that good leadership is vital for cultivating success and building a winning team.
How long does it take to read Legacy?
The reading time for Legacy varies depending on the reader's pace. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Legacy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Legacy is a compelling read for anyone interested in leadership and teamwork. It offers valuable insights and practical lessons in an engaging manner.
Who is the author of Legacy?
The author of Legacy is James Kerr.