CAN I BE CAPTAIN?
Dan writes: On a recent school visit, I met the author Declan Gane, who has written a wonderful book, full of top tips from sports stars all about the art of leadership in sport. I was so impressed, I asked Declan if he would kindly share some of those tips with readers of my website….
Introduction by Declan Gane
When I was coaching my son Louis’s team I used to hear, “Can I be captain?” after every skills focus session, just before we played a training match. Loads of kids always wanted to be in charge and skipper the team. Some were naturals, but others I used to see learning, so week by week they got better and better at inspiring and motivating their teammates.
I wrote ‘So You Want To Be Captain?’ to help Louis and all of the future captains out there. It is a great little handbook for wannabe sports stars, packed full of tips from some of the best captains in the world. I’m sure Jamie Johnson has a copy tucked away inside his kit bag…
To celebrate the Rugby World Cup 2015, here’s what former captain Martin Corry has to say:
Lead from the front – No one expects you to be the best at everything, but do what you can do to the best of your ability with the maximum enthusiasm and determination.
Be honest – Don’t change your personality because someone has given you responsibility and when tough decisions need to be made don’t take the easy option or tell a convenient half truth, say it how it is. You need to earn respect, not demand it.
Best of luck,
Martin
Fact File:
Martin Corry captained Leicester Tigers to three grand finals and lifted the Guinness Premiership and EDF Energy Cup, a first Double in the professional era. The following year he captained England in the crucial pool games at his third Rugby World Cup in 2007, leading a team that had been written off by everyone through the knockout stages. England went on to beat Australia in the quarter finals and France in the semi-finals, before losing a tight final to South Africa. Martin won 64 caps for England and toured Australia and New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions.
Declan Gane is the author of ‘So You Want To Be Captain?’