Podcast: The High Performance
Published Date:
Wed, 13 Apr 2022 00:00:25 GMT
Duration:
1:01:18
Explicit:
False
Guests:
Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.
Alex Sanderson is the Director of Rugby for Sale Sharks. Alex started his senior playing career at Sale in 1998 and went on to make 90 appearances for the club, with his leadership qualities earning him the club captaincy.
Alex isn’t a coach that just stands on the side-line, in his own words he “wants to be on the coalface to feel what the players are feeling, to understand what they’re going through”. He has a very hands-on management style wanting to get involved and lead from the front. This episode will explore how he drives his team forward, setting expectations and inspiring excellence.
We are delighted to work with Gallagher, Your Trusted Insurance Broker, to bring you this three part ‘Gallagher Leadership Series’ with leading Directors of Rugby, including Rob Baxter, Alex Sanderson and Steve Borthwick.
Check out Gallagher’s new three-part series #RivalsTogether, bringing you candid player-to-player conversations about what leadership in rugby means to some of the Gallagher Prem's brightest stars.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOvx4ui51lOCwX_JOU1U4VFvXStQ9aWO7
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**Understanding the Players:**
- Understanding the players as individuals is crucial for effective leadership.
- It involves comprehending their motivations, fears, strengths, and weaknesses.
- This understanding helps create a personalized approach to coaching and guidance.
**Empathy and Communication:**
- Empathy is essential in understanding the players' perspectives and emotions.
- Open and honest communication fosters trust and rapport between the coach and players.
- Regular conversations, both formal and informal, create opportunities for dialogue and feedback.
**Creating a Cohesive Team:**
- Building a cohesive team involves fostering a sense of togetherness and shared purpose.
- Encouraging players to socialize outside of rugby helps them bond and develop strong relationships.
- These relationships contribute to a positive team culture and enhance performance on the field.
**Adaptability and Flexibility:**
- Leadership requires adaptability and flexibility to respond to changing circumstances.
- The coach must be willing to adjust strategies and approaches based on the team's needs and evolving dynamics.
- Remaining open to new ideas and perspectives promotes continuous improvement and innovation.
**Leading by Example:**
- Leaders must embody the values and behaviors they expect from their players.
- Setting a positive example through actions and attitudes inspires and motivates the team.
- Demonstrating commitment, resilience, and a strong work ethic fosters a culture of excellence.
**Delegation and Empowerment:**
- Effective leaders empower their players by delegating responsibilities and trusting them to make decisions.
- This approach fosters player ownership and accountability, promoting individual and team growth.
- It also allows the coach to focus on strategic aspects and overall team development.
**Continuous Improvement:**
- High-performance leadership involves a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Leaders must constantly seek opportunities to enhance their skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities.
- They must also encourage players to embrace a growth mindset and strive for excellence.
**Handling Conflict and Challenges:**
- Leaders must possess the ability to handle conflicts and challenges constructively.
- Addressing conflicts promptly and openly helps maintain a positive team environment.
- Leaders must also remain calm under pressure and make rational decisions in challenging situations.
**Building a Supportive Network:**
- Effective leaders recognize the importance of building a supportive network around them.
- This includes mentors, peers, and other trusted individuals who can provide guidance, advice, and encouragement.
- A strong support system helps leaders navigate the challenges of their role and maintain their well-being.
**Conclusion:**
Alex Sanderson's leadership approach emphasizes understanding the players, fostering empathy and communication, creating a cohesive team, and leading by example. He believes in empowering players, continuously improving, handling conflicts effectively, building a supportive network, and adapting to changing circumstances. These principles have contributed to his success as a coach and have helped Sale Sharks achieve remarkable results.
# Alex Sanderson: Creating a High-Performing Team Culture in Rugby
Alex Sanderson, Director of Rugby for Sale Sharks, emphasizes the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment for players to thrive. He believes in fostering open communication, encouraging self-management, and empowering leaders within the team.
## Key Points:
- **Psychological Safety:** Sanderson emphasizes the significance of psychological safety in team culture. He believes it allows players to be vulnerable, share their thoughts, and engage in honest conversations, leading to better decision-making and team performance.
- **Self-Managing Team:** Sanderson promotes the idea of a self-managing team, where players take ownership of their actions and responsibilities. He encourages players to have difficult conversations among themselves, addressing issues and finding solutions without the coach's direct intervention.
- **Cultural Architects:** Sanderson highlights the role of cultural architects within the team, often referred to as leaders in the dressing room. These players play a crucial role in upholding the team's values, setting standards, and driving the team forward.
- **Feedback and Improvement:** Sanderson values feedback from players, even if it challenges his own approach. He believes in open dialogue and using feedback to improve his coaching methods and the team's performance.
- **Learning from Other Sports:** Sanderson seeks knowledge and inspiration from outside rugby, exploring successful teams and practices in sports like Australian Rules Football and American Football. He believes in adapting and incorporating ideas from different contexts to enhance his own team's performance.
- **Sense of Belonging:** Sanderson emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of belonging for all players, regardless of their skill level or position in the team. He believes that when players feel valued and connected to the team, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged.
- **Vulnerability and Openness:** Sanderson stresses the value of vulnerability and openness among players and coaches. He encourages players to share their feelings, both positive and negative, to foster a culture of trust and understanding.
- **Adaptability and Resilience:** Sanderson believes that teams need to be adaptable and resilient to succeed in the face of challenges. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, embracing change, and maintaining a positive mindset.
- **Shared Mental Model:** Sanderson highlights the significance of creating a shared mental model within the team. He believes that when players have a clear understanding of the team's goals, values, and strategies, they can make better decisions on the field and work together more effectively.
In conclusion, Alex Sanderson's approach to leadership and team culture emphasizes psychological safety, self-management, open communication, and a focus on creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose among players. He believes that by fostering a positive and supportive environment, teams can unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success.
# The Art of Leadership: Insights from Alex Sanderson, Director of Rugby for Sale Sharks
**Introduction**
Alex Sanderson, the Director of Rugby for Sale Sharks, shares his leadership philosophy and insights on driving team performance, setting expectations, and inspiring excellence.
**Key Points**
1. **Hands-On Leadership Style:**
- Alex Sanderson emphasizes the importance of being actively involved with the team, rather than just observing from the sidelines.
- He believes in leading from the front and getting his hands dirty to understand the players' experiences and challenges.
2. **Non-Negotiable Leadership Values:**
- Alex Sanderson highlights three non-negotiable values for effective leadership:
- Honesty: Building trust through open and honest communication.
- Hard work: Recognizing that achievement requires dedication and effort.
- Enjoyment: Fostering a culture of enjoyment and fun, beyond just winning.
3. **Importance of Relationships:**
- Alex Sanderson emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships with players, coaches, and staff.
- He believes that these relationships form the foundation for a successful team environment and long-term success.
4. **Psychological Safety and Empathy:**
- Alex Sanderson recognizes the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where players feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and vulnerabilities.
- He emphasizes the power of empathy and understanding in fostering a supportive team culture.
5. **Balancing Structure and Flexibility:**
- Alex Sanderson acknowledges the need for structure and discipline in a rugby team.
- However, he also believes in allowing players the freedom to express themselves and make decisions on the field.
6. **Adaptability and Continuous Learning:**
- Alex Sanderson emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and learning from mistakes.
- He believes that leaders should be open to new ideas and constantly seek opportunities for improvement.
7. **Legacy of Relationships:**
- Alex Sanderson hopes to leave a legacy of strong relationships with players and coaches.
- He believes that these relationships are more valuable than short-term success or trophies.
8. **Golden Rule for High-Performance Life:**
- Alex Sanderson stresses the importance of living by the values one preaches.
- He believes that leaders must embody the values they expect from their team and consistently demonstrate them in their actions.
**Conclusion**
Alex Sanderson's leadership approach emphasizes the importance of hands-on involvement, strong relationships, psychological safety, and continuous learning. His focus on creating a culture of honesty, hard work, and enjoyment has helped Sale Sharks achieve success and build a strong team spirit.