Here in T&T, how can we get vested interests to coalesce into common interests? That question surfaced in my mind while watching the Rugby World Cup final, won 8-7 by New Zealand on Sunday. It was a drama filled match. France as they always do, confounded the pundits who had predicted a comfortable win for the all-conquering New Zealand. France it was even said, did not deserve to contest the final such was the desultory nature of their form during the tournament. In the back story to the rugby World Cup final, can be found tangible examples of what is required to achieve success- notably, good leadership and the willingness to subsume vested interest for the common interest. France set aside well publicised dissension between coach and players while New Zealand had to overcome the suffocating expectations of four million New Zealanders and a reputation as chokers on the rugby World Cup stage, to put to rest 24 years of futility, agony and pain.
Their win on Sunday and the tremendous battle waged by the French team had more to do with the triumph of common interest over vested self-interest and inspirational leadership than talent and skill. In most societies, the biggest obstacle to success is politics. Politics and politicians thrive on creating the impression that only they can solve problems not the other person or party. The compelling argument that is made is that the only way a country can get what is needed is by supporting one group or the other. In sports it is the same thing. Sport politics is a major obstacle to success. Many decisions are made impatiently and enacted before thinking things through. Long term governance responsibilities are ignored. Those who are singularly focused on politics say and do things that they know are not true. In this country, the things we have in common are more important than the things that divide us. Our hopes and dreams as a people, as a society as a community depends on our leaders.
Permit me to return to Sunday’s match for two sterling examples of leadership. Thierry Dusautoir, captain of the French team, did everything possible to find a way to win for his team and to provide inspiration for his teammates. Even in a losing battle he was voted man of the match such was his effort. The other was Richie Mc Caw, the New Zealand (All Blacks) captain, his effort and inspiration and example proved pivotal. However long and hard the road maybe, good leaders feel compelled to rise to a challenge and do everything in their power to achieve victory for those they lead. Quitting is unthinkable. Passion cannot be diminished. Great leaders are driven to endure to the very and oft times bitter end. When the pressure is on great leaders are at their best. As I watched the All Blacks and France go toe-to-toe, I asked myself: Why as a society have we stopped producing and developing good or great leaders?
Sport draws from society. Good leaders become great not because of their power but of their ability to inspire and empower others. They change the lives of the people they lead for better. In the summer of 2009, when Dusautoir was appointed captain of France the reasons given were: “He (Dusautoir] inspires those around him and is a good communicator. He has the respect of everybody within France and within the game.”Those attributes are a good starting point to identify leadership potential. T&T has no idea how good it can be in the world of sport. It is time those who have either had leadership thrust upon, anointed, appointed or elected really start believing that we are ready to breakthrough and break out. But it first requires leadership with the desire and ability to put common interest first. The mantle of a leader carries with it the duty, obligation and responsibility to lead by example, to get things done , to achieve results and an environment, that inspires success.
By Brian Lewis
Source: www.guardian.co.tt