The best leaders are simply uncomfortable with anything that embraces the status quo. Leadership is pursuit; pursuit of excellence, truth, of results, of what’s next, something bigger than themselves.
Successful leadership is not only the pre-requisite of the top professionals, but it also pertains to community coaches and captains. One of the joys of being a Global rugby coach is meeting those with passion and drive who believe in their clubs and players. Their passion is infectious. You want to join their race!
Pressure can become overwhelming, causing many coaches to break down. Recently the Newcastle Rugby Union coach let the officials know what he thought of one of their decisions and received a six-game ban.
No one deals well under pressure. Great performers have learned the ability to take pressure off themselves. They have learned to love the struggle, the battle and the confrontation. Pressure is something you put on yourself.
Try this: “I’m just going to focus on doing my job as well as I can. I have trained hard for this moment and I’m going to enjoy it. I love tough situations, the tougher the situation the better I perform. My mental toughness is now such that I can handle any situation. I am well prepared mentally and physically and ready to go.”
EPIC
So many factors come into play as sporting seasons move into the latter stages.
The semi-finals of the rugby European championship will be epic. Leinster, who have rolled over the top of some very good teams, now face Northampton in Dublin. Leinster tick all the main performance boxes. Mentally they are tough. Harlequins and England scrum half, Danny Care, said he thought Leinster could beat some international teams.
In the second semi-final Bordeaux plays Toulouse. The same could be said of both these teams, as they are both littered with talent.
In the Women’s Six Nations, England has all the boxes ticked. Ireland put intense pressure on them during their showdown on Apr 12 but still capitulated and lost by 40 points. Surely England will win the Six Nations Championship?
Captaincy and players who can cope with pressure has a major role to play. Leinster has announced the signing of Reiko Ioane, who has earned 84 caps for the All Blacks, and who will arrive later this year. Leinster appreciate what a player of his calibre can bring to their club, not only the playing group.
DON’T SUCCUMB
Meanwhile, May 8 is the date when Andy Farrell announces his Lions squad for UK players ahead of the tour to Australia. He has recently added another coach. Yes, another coach! Johnny Sexton. The retired Irish fly-half who criticised Finn Russell in the press is now working with him.
No player other than the captain is certain of selection. Those who tick the playing and mental strength box will have the best chance.
To win at any level you must cope with pressure. Don’t succumb, challenge yourself. Once conquered, your performance will improve and you will enjoy every aspect of playing.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.