What can we learn from Rugby League about people development?

In a week where the world is looking towards the global sporting event of the Olympics, I’ve been reflecting on an Australian sporting code and its people practices – the NRL.

Mal Meninga and Trisha CarterThis might come as a surprise to those of you who know me as a fan of rugby union, but a couple of legends from the other code have got me thinking.

The most recent experience was meeting Mal Meninga at the AHRI Convention in Brisbane. For those of you outside Australia (or PNG) Mal is currently the coach of the national Australian Rugby League team and has himself played at a professional and representative level for many years prior to his current role in leading others. 

Mal spoke at the AHRI convention about his philosophy around creating culture, character and performance expectations of the national team he is working with and the champion state team he has worked with in the past.  He spoke of using other legends to tell stories, to inspire, create standards and expectations.

In some ways it was similar to my recent webinar conversation with Judy Fitzgerald.  Judy talks about the work she does for the NRL to help players transition from their roles as professional sportspeople to new roles beyond playing.

The common theme (aside from the similar demographic) uniting both Mal’s presentation and Judy’s webinar was the care they feel for the people they are working with.  Care and respect permeated their content.

On reflection I asked myself:

          Do I show such care and respect for the people I am working with?

If someone was listening to me would care and respect be the values that impressed?