3 things Aussie Rugby can learn from Scott Robertson
Oh ah Razor Ray! I said oh ah Razor Ray!
Last Saturday night, the Crusaders won their 7th straight title under coach Scott “Razor Ray” Robertson, prompting another rendition of his premiership breakdance.
I was fortunate enough to play my last professional game under Razor, and will never forget catching him sunbathing minutes before a team meeting!
His critics say he’ll struggle to replicate his success on the international stage, and that even a village idiot could coach the Crusaders deep into the finals.
But despite that, winning 7 titles in a row is crazy, and there’s 3 things I think Aussie Rugby can learn from Razor and how he goes about his business.
He’s not afraid to be himself
People often fear being themselves due to the fear of judgment, and the uncertainty that comes with deviating from societal norms.
And I’ve always found being myself a struggle, both during my career and while writing this blog.
But Razor is unique and unapologetic, and I think embracing it has been a big driver of his success.
But why?
When a leader isn’t afraid to be themself, it gives everyone else permission to do so too, which is huge weight off everyone else’s shoulders, as they no longer have to waste energy pretending to be someone their not.
It also inspires others to do the same, because the leader is showing that there’s nothing to fear, and that confidence spreads throughout a group.
Too often I’ve seen managers and leaders put on masks and act in an inauthentic way.
Which isn’t great, because being authentic is what builds trust amongst a team, as you only really get to know someone when they are being their true selves.
Sadly that’s usually only when shit hits the fan that you discover what people are really like.
And “Razor always being Razor” I think is the key ingredient why the Crusaders seem so close, and successful as a result.
He’s physically active
I’m no leadership expert, but I assume being a leader is hard, and I’ve noticed all great leaders these days are either physically fit, or trying to get fit.
And by “hard”, I mean it requires far more energy to manage everyone and shoulder all the responsibilities, versus simply being in a role where your just told what to do.
Razor is an avid surfer and in great shape, and the fact he stays fit tells me he has lots of energy, and healthy habits for dealing with stress.
Habits I want in the people I follow, as no one wants to work for a stressed-out boss who can’t manage their own stress.
“How can you manage others if you can’t even manage yourself?”
From Sports to Business (even Politics) great leaders of all industries prioritise their health in order to be at their best.
Even current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese got in shape when he made his run for PM.
And by prioritising their health, leaders are being great role models to their athletes and staff.
After all, I would’ve found it hard to have an overweight coach telling me to get fit.
So what I’m trying to say is… I think the era of “do as I say” leadership is over, and been surpassed by “do as I do” leaders.
And those who are fit, do more.
He’s knows having fun creates consistency
There’s no doubt the Crusaders work bloody hard.
But they always looks like they’re having fun, which is a clear sign team moral is high and they’re enjoying what there doing.
And that’s important because it means they’ll want to keep going, which gives them energy to keep it up for the long haul.
This creates consistency, which I’m learning is the biggest indicator of success, and as one of Razor’s predecessors once told me:
“You are what you do often”
Robbie Deans
And apart from creating consistency, having fun is great for player retention, and why Razor was able to keep the Crusaders dynasty together for so long.
The players were enjoying themselves so much that they never thought to head overseas for more money.
But “having fun” is pretty vague, and I think many people interpret that as if they would just play touch footy and muck around each day, and not take things seriously.
Hard work is difficult and draining, especially if you don’t see results or believe in why you're doing it.
But somehow, Razor helped his team find the fun in the daily grind of hard work that’s required to become champions.
So in a nutshell, I think players (and people) want to work for capable and authentic leaders who inspire them to be the best versions of themselves.
This is not to say I think Eddie Jones needs to break out his dancing shoes (in fact quite the opposite as Jones has no problem being himself).
But the coaches (and managers) who inspire players and staff to just be themselves, will be the ones who get the most out of them.
And with Razor recently announced as the next All Blacks coach, I fear we have not seen the last of his breakdancing.
Watch all Razor’s dances here
Love this! and so true! Applicable to all settings, not just rugby/sport.
I think you've nailed this. Someone who looks after their health is incredibly easy to follow!