Rugby Referees
Published in May 2017 by Don Anderson.
Updated November 2018
Published in May 2017 by Don Anderson.
Updated November 2018
“I’m the referee on this field, not you”, states Welsh international rugby referee Nigel Owens. "This is not soccer". The hulking, muscular player standing opposite remains silent, listening with respect. Why? In rugby terms, that player is on the field of Mr. Owens.
In contrast, baseball managers yell and scream at their home plate umpires. Soccer referees can be chased around the field by upset players. Serena Williams berated the chair umpire near the conclusion of her loss at the 2018 US Open. This doesn't happen in rugby. A hooligan’s game played by gentlemen? Perhaps.
Rugby teams play hard and within a set of rules that change regularly, allowing the game to flow better and be more enjoyable to watch. The players want to keep possession of the ball whereas field position used to be the key.
Innovators with market-leading products and services play hard, test the boundaries of the rules and keep possession of their go-forward strategy. Does your business team play hard and rapidly adapt to changes? How do you make sure to hold the respect of the “referees” of your industry while also leading the league?
Don Anderson
Legato
In contrast, baseball managers yell and scream at their home plate umpires. Soccer referees can be chased around the field by upset players. Serena Williams berated the chair umpire near the conclusion of her loss at the 2018 US Open. This doesn't happen in rugby. A hooligan’s game played by gentlemen? Perhaps.
Rugby teams play hard and within a set of rules that change regularly, allowing the game to flow better and be more enjoyable to watch. The players want to keep possession of the ball whereas field position used to be the key.
Innovators with market-leading products and services play hard, test the boundaries of the rules and keep possession of their go-forward strategy. Does your business team play hard and rapidly adapt to changes? How do you make sure to hold the respect of the “referees” of your industry while also leading the league?
Don Anderson
Legato