E116 - Steve Borthwick: Learning from experience

Steve Borthwick is the current head coach of the England men's national rugby team. Prior to this he was appointed Head Coach at Leicester Tigers in February 2020 after five seasons as Forwards Coach with England. As a player Steve made 240 appearances and won 57 caps for England, including two years as captain.

This episode will explore how Steve has used his experiences of being a Saracens captain, working as a forwards coach at England and Bristol Bears to shape his team, their culture and ultimately their success.

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<li><b>Clear Goals and Relentless Effort:</b> Borthwick emphasizes the importance of having clear goals and being willing to put in relentless effort to achieve them. He believes that success comes from dedication and perseverance, rather than relying on talent or natural ability.</li>
<li><b>Learning from Mistakes:</b> Borthwick views mistakes as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. He encourages his players to embrace mistakes as a chance to improve and grow, rather than dwelling on them or becoming discouraged.</li>
<li><b>Player-Led Standards:</b> Borthwick promotes a culture where players take ownership of their performance and drive each other to improve. He believes that when players are empowered to hold themselves and their teammates accountable, they are more likely to achieve high standards.</li>
<li><b>Respect and Empathy:</b> Borthwick values treating people with respect and empathy, both on and off the field. He believes that creating a positive and supportive environment is essential for fostering a successful team culture.</li>
<li><b>Adaptability and Learning:</b> Borthwick emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation. He believes that teams must be willing to change and evolve their strategies and tactics based on the changing circumstances of the game.</li>
<li><b>Focus on the Present:</b> Borthwick encourages his players to focus on the present moment and not dwell on past mistakes or worry about future outcomes. He believes that by staying present and focused, players can perform at their best.</li>
<li><b>Mental Freedom and Risk-Taking:</b> Borthwick encourages his players to embrace mental freedom and take risks on the field. He believes that players should be encouraged to express themselves and try new things, even if there is a chance of making mistakes.</li>
<li><b>Equal Treatment and Tough Decisions:</b> Borthwick treats all players equally, regardless of their individual abilities or status. However, he also makes tough decisions when necessary, such as selecting players for the starting lineup or making substitutions during a game.</li>
<li><b>Player Development and Improvement:</b> Borthwick prioritizes player development and improvement. He works with his coaching staff to create individualized training programs and provide players with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.</li>
<li><b>Creating a Positive Team Culture:</b> Borthwick believes that a positive team culture is essential for success. He fosters a culture of respect, trust, and accountability, where players feel supported and motivated to achieve their goals.</li>
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## Overview: How Steve Borthwick Led Leicester Tigers to Success

Steve Borthwick, the current head coach of the England men's national rugby team and former coach of Leicester Tigers, shares his unique approach to team building, culture, and leadership. Borthwick emphasizes the importance of creating a team that is committed to fighting and never backing down, regardless of the circumstances. He also stresses the need for clear communication, accountability, and a willingness to learn and adapt quickly.

## Key Points:

1. **Fighting Spirit:** Borthwick believes that a team must possess a fighting spirit and a refusal to back down. This means being willing to stand up for one another, showing resilience in the face of adversity, and never giving up.


2. **Clear Communication and Expectations:** Borthwick emphasizes the importance of clear communication and establishing clear expectations for the team. He believes that players need to know exactly what is expected of them in terms of behavior, performance, and values.


3. **Accountability:** Borthwick stresses the need for accountability at all levels of the team. He believes that players and coaches must be held accountable for their actions and that a culture of honesty and openness is essential for success.


4. **Learning and Adapting:** Borthwick believes that a team must be willing to learn and adapt quickly. He encourages players to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and to be constantly seeking ways to improve. He also emphasizes the importance of staying humble and being open to new ideas.


5. **Creating a Positive Culture:** Borthwick emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive culture within the team. He believes that players need to feel valued, respected, and part of something bigger than themselves. He also stresses the importance of building strong relationships between players and coaches.


6. **Leading by Example:** Borthwick believes that leaders must lead by example. He believes that leaders need to be willing to put in the hard work, demonstrate the values they expect from their team, and be willing to make tough decisions when necessary.


7. **Focusing on the Process:** Borthwick believes that teams should focus on the process rather than the outcome. He believes that if a team focuses on doing the right things and following the right processes, the results will eventually come.


8. **Celebrating Success:** Borthwick believes that it is important to celebrate success and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the team. He believes that this helps to build morale and motivation and creates a positive and rewarding environment.

# Steve Borthwick: The High-Performance Mindset

## Key Themes:
* Steve Borthwick's journey from player to coach, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation.
* The crucial role of culture and values in shaping a successful team.
* The significance of empathy and kindness in leadership and team dynamics.

## Leadership and Culture:
* Steve Borthwick's emphasis on creating a positive and supportive team culture.
* The importance of setting clear expectations and standards.
* The need for leaders to be authentic and genuine.
* The power of empathy and understanding in motivating and inspiring a team.

## Performance and Mindset:
* The significance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.
* The importance of learning from mistakes and setbacks.
* The value of resilience and mental toughness in overcoming challenges.
* The role of a growth mindset in continuous improvement and development.

## Team Dynamics and Communication:
* The importance of effective communication and feedback within a team.
* The need for open and honest dialogue to address issues and improve performance.
* The significance of trust and respect in building strong team relationships.
* The value of diversity and inclusivity in creating a cohesive and high-performing team.

## Personal Growth and Development:
* Steve Borthwick's emphasis on continuous learning and self-improvement.
* The importance of seeking feedback and embracing constructive criticism.
* The value of surrounding oneself with mentors and coaches for guidance and support.
* The significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

## Overcoming Challenges:
* Steve Borthwick's resilience in facing setbacks and challenges throughout his career.
* The importance of learning from adversity and using it as an opportunity for growth.
* The power of perseverance and determination in overcoming obstacles.
* The value of seeking support and guidance from others during difficult times.

## Conclusion:
Steve Borthwick's journey as a player and coach offers valuable insights into the qualities and strategies that contribute to high performance. His emphasis on culture, leadership, mindset, team dynamics, and personal growth provides a comprehensive framework for aspiring leaders and individuals seeking excellence in their respective fields.