WEEKLY COFFEE | With James Kerr

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Weekly Coffee | 0 comments

Recently, SportsinQ’s Siem Schoenaker had the privilege of sitting down with James Kerr, the renowned author (of the book Legacy) and leadership consultant known for his work on the New Zealand All Blacks, one of the world’s most iconic sports teams. Kerr has spent years studying the ethos and values that underpin high-performing teams, both on and off the field. Through our conversation, it became clear that the All Blacks’ success is rooted in a profound culture of trust, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

 
 
“In the All Blacks, individual brilliance is encouraged, but it’s only valuable if it lifts the entire team.“ – James Kerr
 
Where do you see a strong similarity between high-performance environments?
One of Kerr’s core principles, both in sports and business, is the idea of “individual brilliance for collective success.” As he explains, while personal achievements are celebrated, they must serve the larger goal of the team. “True success lies in balancing personal skill with a commitment to the team’s vision”, he emphasizes. “In the All Blacks, individual brilliance is encouraged, but it’s only valuable if it lifts the entire team.”
“The All Blacks have a legacy of humility and hard work” –  James Kerr

According to Kerr, a strong, shared culture is the bedrock of any high-performing team. “Culture isn’t just a set of rules or values — it’s the environment that allows individuals to thrive under pressure”, he explains. For the All Blacks, this culture is reinforced through rituals, respect for tradition, and a commitment to leaving the jersey in a better place for the next generation. “The All Blacks have a legacy of humility and hard work”, says Kerr. “Each player understands they are part of something much bigger than themselves.”

“Love in a team is stronger than trust“ – James Kerr
 
At the heart of Kerr’s philosophy is a profound belief in the power of connection. In his view, the deepest form of teamwork goes beyond trust — it’s about love. “When teammates genuinely care for each other, they’re willing to go above and beyond”, he notes. “Love in a team is stronger than trust because it creates a level of unity and resilience that no pressure or obstacle can break.” Kerr argues that when players feel this bond, they know that their teammates will always have their backs, reducing stress levels and allowing them to perform at their best.
 
In both sports and business, there are strong parallels in the principles of leadership. “Whether you’re leading a sports team or a corporate team, the fundamentals remain the same”, says Kerr. At the core is the ability to bring out the best in each individual while aligning them towards a common goal. He believes that great leaders know how to “maximize individual strengths while compensating for weaknesses through teamwork.” One of the most important lessons that Kerr has learned throughout the year, as he stated, is that you need: “Individual Brilliance for Collective Success”.
What is fundamental to High Performance?
One of the unique aspects of high-performance environments like the All Blacks is the focus on training players to recognize patterns under pressure. Kerr highlights that the ability to adapt in real time, to anticipate movements and read the game, is what separates good players from great ones. “It’s about training your mind to see the game unfold before it happens”, he explains. “Pattern recognition is a crucial skill in high-performance teams, allowing players to react instinctively in challenging situations.”
“In the end, high-performance is high-performance, whether on the rugby field or in the boardroom” – James Kerr

Kerr believes that the principles from the world of elite sports are directly applicable to corporate environments. “In the end, high-performance is high-performance, whether on the rugby field or in the boardroom”, he asserts. His advice for business leaders is to invest in building a strong culture, one that fosters genuine connection, celebrates small wins, and keeps the focus on long-term goals. Just as the All Blacks aim to leave the jersey in a better place, corporate leaders should strive to build a legacy that future team members will be proud to inherit.

How would you define a good leader?
In Kerr’s view, a great leader is one who fosters both confidence and clarity within their team. “Commitment to a plan is crucial, but so is the ability to remain flexible and adapt as situations change”, he shares. While differences of opinion are welcomed, once a decision is made, the entire team must rally behind it. This sense of alignment, Kerr notes, is fundamental to creating a winning culture. “When everyone is committed, it builds clarity and purpose —qualities that are essential in any high-stakes environment.”
“Leave your jersey in a better place” – James Kerr
Kerr’s words serve as a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about achieving short-term goals but about creating an enduring legacy. It’s about inspiring those around you, bringing out the best in them, and building a culture that sustains success over time. As he concludes, “In any high-performing team, it’s the small actions, the daily commitment to excellence, that ultimately lead to greatness. Eventually, it all comes down to one thing”, says Kerr: “Leave the jersey in a better place.”