There’s something special about the culture at both clubs.
Although 80% of our work is now in business and education, we’re proud of our legacy in sport.
You might know of our 8-year partnership with Brisbane Lions. But did you know of our 20-year history with the Sydney Swans (until last year)?
Leading Teams Australia founder Ray McLean was there at the birth of the Swans’ famed ‘Bloods’ culture, working alongside coaching legends Paul Roos and John Longmire.
In an autocratic coaching era where players did as they were told, Ray and ‘Roosy’ ushered in a new approach:
- Players choosing their own leadership group based on behaviour, not ability
- Player leaders inducting new players
- Emphasis on a safe, positive, and inclusive culture
It quite literally changed the game. And not just in AFL.
Leading Teams has worked with the Australian Boomers, the New South Wales Waratahs, the Titans NRLW, and the Australian Diamonds, among others, and seen similar outcomes.
- Continual improvement in team performance
- Players developing as people, not just athletes
- Skills that spill over into family life and post-sporting careers
As John Longmire puts it: “Some people who haven’t worked with the [Leading Teams] model thought, ‘Is this a case of the tail wagging the dog?’ Not at all. The players help each other and keep each other accountable to their trademark.”
The same lessons apply in business and education:
- Relationships are pivotal
- Genuine conversations become possible when trust is built over time
- Having an agreed set of standards to come back to after major wins or losses is critical
- Good culture embraces the past and lays a foundation for the future
- Leaders must accept responsibility for the culture they’ve created
As Ray says, “There’s no shortcut to culture.” The road to get there can be challenging. But the outcomes can be extraordinary.
As these two high-performing teams face off in the upcoming Grand Final, we’re reminded that in both sport and business, culture isn’t just part of the game. It is the game.
What’s your business doing to create a winning culture? Share below! 👇
P.S. Shoutout to our founders Ray McLean and Kraig Grime for pioneering this approach. Your legacy continues to shape champions in every field! 🙌
