S1: Rugby League & Inclusive Leadership with Michael Lawrence

Building Better Leaders

In this weeks episode we chat with Michael Lawrence - Club Captain and Loose Forward 14 years at Huddersfield Giants Rugby League and a Jamaican International looking forward to the upcoming RL World Cup.

Recently invited to the Rugby League Inclusion Board we begin by discussing inclusion and making rugby league more diversely appealing. We chat about Michael’s experiences growing up into a sport where role models were thin on the ground, and how he’s driven to changing it for youngster coming into the game.

In this fascinating interview we draw parallels with leadership in sport and business, how it differs on and off the field; what the importance of “Next Job,” means to Michael in his playing strategy.

Winning and consistent performances in professional sport are the difference between keeping your place in the side, resigning your contract and putting food on the table; Michael shares his work ethic and motivations, the crucial importance of multiple goal setting, how it differs from player to player and how do you cope with ‘pressure?’

We discuss what lies ahead for Micheal, and look deeper into how his leadership experiences can help others in the future.

We discuss Black Lives Matter; Michael shares his thoughts on some of the interviews he conducted back in 2020, his reflections about the confusion and lack of understanding leading to people acting defensively.

Michael’s Leadership Essentials:

1. Integrity: Doing what I say, follow through otherwise you loose respect and your team
2. Honesty: Good or bad news, being brave enough to confront the situation
3. Empathy: Getting to know people and their situation, understanding what are people’s Why’s always helps relationships

Links:
Rugby League I & D Board: https://www.rugby-league.com/governance/inclusion-&-diversity/inclusion-and-diversity-board