115: Arran Cruickshanks: Taking Rugby Into the Workplace

The Courageous Leaders Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the parallels between rugby and the workplace to uncover how competitive spirit and teamwork in sports can drive exceptional performance in professional settings.
I was joined by the brilliant Arran Cruickshanks, Managing Director at mccglc and former professional rugby player, to explore these concepts in depth.
Key Questions Discussed:

• How can we use the competitive spirit of sport to drive performance in teams?
• How can we understand team motivation to achieve the vision, akin to how rugby players are motivated to win?
• Rugby players have nutritionists, coaches, physios and a complete plan for their week, how important is structure to succeed?

We also discuss:

• Have companies become too accommodating when dealing with people challenges
• Setting the expectations that there are going to be tough days and how to navigate them
• Why a vision needs to be clear and to check everyone is aligned to have a seat on the bus
• Exploring how far into the future it is practical to set a vision in today's rapidly changing world.
• The difference between being on the Rugby pitch and in training on how the team works together
• Being the final decision maker and taking on that responsibility
• The perception of having it all together but inside you don’t
• Being okay to reach out for help

00:00 Importance of leaders maintaining consistent vision despite changes.

05:18 Scheduled days challenged motivation and leadership style.

09:09 Competition drives improvement and identifies reliable players.

11:39 Merit-based promotions ensure employee growth and fairness.

14:06 Balancing work commitments with communication and understanding.

18:28 Put feelings aside, buy into the vision.

22:43 Transitioned from project management to client relations.

26:38 Workplace stress and expectations need to change.

27:29 Balancing owner's needs and protecting the team.

32:49 Regret over risk aversion, need for change.

34:25 Motivating staff to find job satisfaction.

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