E40 - Eddie Jones: How to relentlessly pursue perfection

Eddie Jones one of the most experienced and decorated coaches in Rugby Union and the current head coach of England. Since taking over in in 2015, Eddie has orchestrated a complete revival of the national team, winning the Six Nations back-to-back, including England’s first Grand Slam in a generation and their first-ever whitewash of Australia in their own backyard. Eddie also led the team on their longest-ever winning streak, matching the world record held by the All Blacks.

Eddie’s career has spanned four World Cups: from the 2003 final, working with South Africa when they won in 2007, and causing one the greatest upsets in the game when he masterminded the Japanese victory over South Africa in 2015. Most recently, he led England on their incredible run at the 2019 World Cup, culminating in a stunning victory against the All Blacks before falling to South Africa in the final.

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## Episode Summary: Eddie Jones on High Performance, Mindset, and Coaching Strategies

**Key Insights:**

- High performance is a dynamic concept that constantly changes and requires adaptation.
- To achieve high performance, it's essential to have the right people, vision, and environment.
- Effective coaching involves observing and understanding the unique characteristics of players and creating a program that supports their development.
- Cultivating self-belief is crucial for players to perform at their best.
- A coach's ability to read a room and understand the nuances of player interactions is a valuable skill.
- Teaching and coaching share similarities in terms of developing individuals and building their capabilities.
- The distinction between teaching and coaching lies in the ultimate goal: winning in coaching and building the child in education.
- Belief in oneself and one's abilities can positively impact performance.
- A stroke experienced by Eddie Jones led to a shift in his perspective, fostering greater understanding and compassion for others.
- Finding the right balance between discipline and guidance is essential for effective leadership.
- Exploring a relationship with God can provide a sense of purpose and direction.
- Defining oneself solely by one's profession can be limiting; it's important to recognize the multifaceted nature of identity.
- The four pillars of coaching—physical, tactical, technical, and mental—require a balanced approach, with a focus on mental and tactical aspects.
- Technical skills at the international level are less emphasized compared to team organization and shared thinking.
- Transferability of coaching skills across different sports or professions can be challenging.
- The pursuit of the perfect game drives Eddie Jones' passion for coaching, aiming for a team that dominates the entire 80 minutes of a match.

**Memorable Quotes:**

- "I want to catch the perfect game."
- "Imagine going out there and you're impossible to play against. Impossible. When you've got the ball, they can't get it off you. When they've got the ball, they've got so much pressure, they're giving it back to you, and that's unrelenting. That would be fascinating."

**Summary of the Podcast Episode**

In this episode of the High Performance Podcast, the guest is Eddie Jones, one of the most experienced and decorated coaches in Rugby Union, and the current head coach of England. The podcast delves into Eddie's illustrious career, spanning four World Cups and numerous successes with different teams.

**Eddie's Coaching Philosophy**

Eddie emphasizes the importance of players embracing the grind and working hard to achieve their goals. He believes that the ability to absorb the grind and maintain high standards separates the great players from the average ones. He also stresses the need for focus and avoiding distractions to optimize performance.

**The Importance of Balance**

While Eddie acknowledges the necessity of relentless dedication for high-level performance, he also recognizes the importance of achieving a balance in life. He suggests making adjustments to one's work schedule to accommodate personal well-being and family commitments.

**Connecting with Players**

Eddie highlights the significance of establishing a strong connection with players to motivate and inspire them. He believes in finding ways to tap into each player's unique motivations and creating a pathway for them to achieve their goals. He shares an example of how he connected with a shy Afrikaans player, helping him blossom into a global star.

**Day One in a New Job**

Eddie shares his tips for making a successful start in a new job. He emphasizes the importance of setting a clear vision and direction for the team, creating a sense of purpose and excitement, and empowering players to take ownership of their roles. He also highlights the need to be adaptable and willing to make changes when necessary.

**Dealing with Failure**

Eddie acknowledges that failure is an inevitable part of the cycle of success. He stresses the importance of taking time to reflect on failures, acknowledging mistakes, and learning from them. He believes in minimizing the cycle of failure by promoting self-regulation within the team and empowering players to drive their own success.

**Eddie's Golden Rule for a High-Performance Life**

Eddie's golden rule for living a high-performance life is to stay focused on what's important and to work towards achieving specific goals. He emphasizes the need to identify the key factors that contribute to success and to relentlessly pursue those objectives.

**Key Takeaways**

* The importance of embracing the grind and maintaining high standards for achieving success.
* The need for focus and avoiding distractions to optimize performance.
* The significance of establishing a strong connection with players to motivate and inspire them.
* The importance of setting a clear vision and direction for a team, creating a sense of purpose and excitement.
* The necessity of being adaptable and willing to make changes when necessary.
* The inevitability of failure and the importance of learning from mistakes.
* The need to stay focused on what's important and relentlessly pursue specific goals.

**Navigating the Journey of High-Performance Coaching: Insights from Eddie Jones**

In this insightful podcast episode, Eddie Jones, the highly acclaimed coach in Rugby Union and current head coach of England, shares his wealth of knowledge and experience gained over four World Cups and numerous coaching triumphs. Jones emphasizes the significance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome, highlighting that the true measure of success lies in the journey itself.

Jones's coaching philosophy revolves around creating an environment where players are encouraged to think openly and receptively, allowing them to be impacted by the collective wisdom of the team. He stresses the importance of embracing new ideas and being willing to adapt and learn from mistakes.

Drawing from his experiences with the South African and Japanese teams, Jones emphasizes the value of meticulous planning and preparation. He believes that success is not a result of chance but rather a product of careful strategizing and execution.

Jones's approach to coaching extends beyond the technical aspects of the game, encompassing a holistic understanding of the players' mental and emotional well-being. He recognizes the importance of fostering a strong team culture, where players feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Throughout the episode, Jones underscores the significance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. He shares anecdotes from his coaching career, demonstrating how teams can overcome challenges and setbacks through unwavering determination and a belief in their abilities.

Jones's insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring coaches and leaders in any field. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning, adaptability, and a genuine care for the individuals one leads. By embracing these principles, coaches can create a high-performance environment that fosters success and personal growth.