As an eighteen-year-old fresh out of high school I was invited to pre-season training with the Natal Sharks. The sweltering temperatures in Summer time meant many of our fitness sessions were held on Durban beachfront.
Covered in sand we ran laps between piers until everyone’s attention was caught by a single runner sprinting to the front of the group with his costume wedged into a g-string. Everyone burst into laughter and for a fleeting moment forgot about the exhaustion we were all suffering.
The streaker was none other than John Smit – future Springbok captain and now CEO of Sharks Rugby. While I’m sure John refined his leadership tactics with time, he immediately struck me as someone unafraid to laugh at himself and genuinely interested in the people around him.
From CEOs to coaches, managers and captains at the Brumbies and Wallabies I’ve been fortunate to observe first hand the leadership styles of many different people in high performance environments.
Some interesting observations have emerged from this experience.
I’ve noticed that there is no singular style or personality type that leads to good leadership in every instance. Context is important – which is to say that identifying the right leader is largely about identifying the needs of a group at a particular juncture.
Which brings me to the intersection of Australian rugby and Stephen Moore.
I first met Squeak when he made his Wallaby debut against Samoa in 2005. Then he was a quiet, almost shy medical student with curly locks. Early on it was obvious that he was intelligent and thoughtful. His sentences would come marching out with a kind of monotone precision that made it obvious they they were carefully considered.
When he first came to the Brumbies he immediately became part of the leadership team and could always be relied upon to either say nothing or to say something useful. Despite obvious leadership qualities, it has taken Squeak a long time to assume the captaincy of the national side. But it seems that his long apprenticeship has shaped him into the perfect man for this job at this time.
Steve has the potential to polarise opinion because he has committed himself to saying what he thinks – rather than what he thinks people want to hear. He has little tolerance for pretence or self promotion, and this is exactly the kind of uncompromising attitude and commitment to honesty the Wallabies need to push them to World Cup success.
That journey begins tonight against France, and in the wake of a Wallaby culture tainted by narcissistic exhibitionism, who better than an old school, bald-headed hooker to restore order to the Wallaby universe.
Thunderguts
Guest
Typical anti McCaw comment, Richie is smart enough to know how to play the rules to his advantage which can hardly be called cheating. The only OZ captains to come close were Eales and Gregan and as for Moore he does not have the intellectual capability to understand the nuances of the rules and how to play them to his advantage.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
One would find it hard to score, the other would find it hard to get the ball. Could be fun but nobody would pay to watch it.
Rob G
Guest
Straight up racism. TPN has always been articulate. Ban this pelican roar editors if you have any convictions.
RobC
Roar Guru
Too bad he didn't get a chance to put a mark on the game. Hope he's back on field soon.
formeropenside
Guest
That appointment was a smack in the face to Ed Quirk, and every Queenslander. Still, better than the other options who ended up as VC.
Glenn Condell
Guest
Take it from me, sheek is more like Stephen Moore than Alan Jones.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Chivas, there's a place near Barton called "the Rugby Club". It's a good little pub but I reckon most places will have it.
Argyle
Roar Guru
Mate there is some pub at Kingston that goes alright.
Sportym
Guest
Nah, his just saying that Richie does it best ;)
Tane Mahuta
Guest
TPN can scrumage and run with the ball, however he cant hold onto the ball when running, his throwing at lineouts is awful at times and he seems to get a kick out of head knocks...to himself. I wouldnt select him until he takes a bit more responsibilty. He can do it but if he keeps getting selected then why would he. As much as people like to pretend it isnt true, Deans dropping QC was the best thing that ever happened to him. TPN doesnt have the same problems as QC but he needs to be told that turnovers are bad and a hooker needs to be able to find his jumpers. Just my opinion.
Charlie Mackay
Guest
Ha! Even as a Canberran, I was going with that too
AdamS
Roar Guru
Well, on the field he Smashes 'Em......
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
Moore is a hard nut of the old school and is the right man for the job at the right time. He might not be as good at manipulating referees as that other notable hooker/captain Sean Fitzpatrick but, like Fitzy, he has the capacity to inspire and lead by example. One thing that bothers me: I keep reading that Moore will be subbed off towards the end of Tests, as a matter of policy. Call me old-fashioned, but if one player has to be on the field for the full 80, it's the captain.
Chas
Guest
Could you confirm you were responding to my comment bennelong because it seems to have disappeared. Apparently you can say that the NZ captain is a cheat on here but not the Oz captain. Anyway, I needed a response such as yours to win my bet. Thks
Jereme Lane
Roar Guru
double degree in digital media and speaks japanese and a bit of spanish. he did once say he was going to try and put someone in hospital though... i think he was around 21 at the time
Jereme Lane
Roar Guru
mate depending on where you are in canberra, find a road that leads out of canberra and don't stop until you hit another place!! sorry couldn't help myself...
bennalong
Guest
Plenty of test captains to show that the captaincy and cheating, rather than being mutually exclusive, go well together. My favourite is Richie McCaw. Squeak gould do worse than follow his lead.
Chivas
Guest
Thanks not worried about quiet, noisy boisterous fans and folk are perfect.... I'm near the city, but can taxi where ever. And thanks
Moreton Bait
Roar Pro
Another very well written article Clyde, thanks very much. interesting comments on leadership. The really good leaders are adaptable and aware of the context and the circumstances in which they find themselves. Sometimes tweaks to personal leadership style are necessary. TPN is also a smart guy from what I understand, but I don't he'd be too keen on captaining on the rugby field. It might detract from his take-no-prisoners approach. For someone interested in robotics he should concentrate upon calibrating and robotising his throwing arm!
Jimmy
Guest
I'd like to see a game of 15 Steven Moores versus 15 Israel Folaus...