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Saturday, November 27, 2010

Setting the Stage

When the curtain opens it's time for the performers to perform. All the preparation that is done prior to the curtain opening is the time for the leaders to perform.

The leaders set the stage so that the performers can perform at their best. If the stage is not set properly, the performance will not be the best. Whether it's Rugby or Business, the leaders set the stage.

Jeremy Guscott has a question and answer column on the BBC's Rugby website where he answers reader's questions about professional rugby, particularly the home nations (England, Scotland, Wales, & Ireland) and international test rugby. Recently a reader asked about the erratic performance by Wales and whether it was a reflection of the coaching or of the player's mental state. In one short paragraph (5 sentences), Mr. Guscott gets to the heart of the issue of both rugby and business. Since I can't say it any better, here's what he says:

"Coaches put in place an environment for players to perform. Preparation is meticulously
considered and calculated, strategies worked out and training geared for the match ahead. The players have everything they need and then they have to perform. If players don't or can't step up they have to be dropped, and others who can brought in. I feel coaches can only be blamed for poor selection or not creating the best possible working environment."

I've heard this message before. At a business presentation by former college football coach Dick Tomey, Mr. Tomey made the following statement: "To achieve Excellence you have to create the right environment."

Lest you think this thought only comes from the world of sports, I've heard the same theme expressed numerous times in the interviews I've been conducting for my forthcoming book, "Deliver on Your Promises". The leaders set the stage. The set the tone of the organization, they create the environment, set the standards, and hire and put in place the guidelines for hiring the right people. They give everyone the tools they need to meet the expectations they are given.

Then they get out of the way and let the performers perform.

If you're not creating the right environment, what can you do to create it?
If you're not hiring the right people, how can you hire them?
If you're not setting goals and expectations, how can you develop a system to do that?

It's up to you as the leader to put in place the environment so that your performers can perform.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Hawaii Rugby Schedule


A couple of emails and look at the Union's website prompts me to post this Hawaii Rugby events schedule:

November 20, 2010 - Wendall Sailor clinic at Kapiolani Park, 10:00 am

December 4, 2010 - Islander's 7's Tournament at Kapiolani Park, 9:00 am

December 9-11, 2010 - Game Plan Rugby Academy at BYU Hawaii campus in Laie, 9:00 am

December 11, 2010 - Hawaii Pacific University 7's Tournament at Laie Park, 10:00 am

January 15, 2011 - Hawaii Rugby Season Begins, Kapiolani Park


Also find contact info for the Union and the Hawaii clubs at the Union's website.

Game Plan Rugby Clinic at BYU Hawaii

This is a clinic for youth rugby players and coaches for youth or adults. Eddie O'Sullivan is the current USA Eagles coach and former Ireland coach, Liam Messam is a former New Zealand All Black. It doesn't get any better than that. Here's some more details:

GAME PLAN RUGBY ACADEMY
Thursday, December 9–Saturday, December 11
BYU-Hawaii

Coaching clinic ($199 for 3 days - includes New Zealand Rugby Union coaching certification and meals)
Youth clinic ($25 for 2 days – includes 3 meals)

Coaches and youth will learn about the sport of rugby from three NZRU coaches, Former All Black and current NZ Maori captain Liam Messam and USA Eagles national coach Eddie O’Sullivan. Boys AND girls ages 13-18 are encouraged to sign up now on the website to secure a spot. Seven players and one coach will receive scholarships to attend a Rugby Academy in New Zealand (valued at over $3,000 each!)

Please check the website link and share it with your local sports contacts and networks.
http://t.co/8yqvNE3

Wendell Sailor at Kapiolani Park

There's going to be some sort of event or clinic at Kapiolani Park this Saturday (11/20/10) with Wendell Sailor. According to the flyer, it starts at 10:00 am. Meet a real life professional rugby player up close and personal.

Wendell represented Australia in both Rugby League and Rugby Union.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Have You Seen This Man?

Did I see Jim sitting on a bench at a bus stop by KCC and Diamond Head last Saturday?

The first time I walked by I said to myself "he looks familiar."

The second time I walked by I said to myself "is that Jim?"

The third time I walked by he wasn't there.

Why was I walking back and forth? Just happened to be going here and there.

Was that you Jim? Are you in Hawaii? If that was you, sorry I didn't stop.