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The Case for Listening Before Leading
The LAB Performance
February 14, 2025 • Reading Time: 5 minutes
The best aren’t getting better on their own, they’re getting better because they are being coached.
General Stanley McChrystal
When Rassie Erasmus took over as head coach and Director of Rugby for the South African Springboks, the team was struggling. Results were poor, internal divisions were rife, and expectations from a rugby-obsessed nation were sky-high—with just 18 months to turn things around before the 2019 World Cup.
Most leaders in his position would have jumped straight into fixing tactics, overhauling training, or demanding higher standards through grueling physical work. Instead, Erasmus did something different—something counterintuitive.
He focused on alignment before action.
Do We All Agreed?
Rather than running traditional training camps, Erasmus introduced alignment camps, where the focus wasn’t on drills, fitness tests, or strategy, but on discussion, shared understanding, and clarity. Over two days, players and staff engaged in open conversations about expectations, concerns, and the team’s direction. The coaching staff didn’t dictate—they listened as much as they spoke. The goal was not just technical improvement but creating a shared sense of purpose and commitment. Erasmus understood that a team without alignment is a team that will waste time and energy correcting misunderstandings later—often under high-pressure conditions when clarity is needed most. Misalignment doesn’t just lead to confusion; it breeds doubt, frustration, and inefficiency. Players second-guess decisions, question leadership, and lose confidence in the process. By tackling these issues head-on, he removed uncertainty and built deep trust within the squad.
This wasn’t just about getting buy-in from the players; it was about ensuring that when the real work began, everyone was moving in the same direction with full commitment. Instead of spending months dealing with internal friction or miscommunication, they could focus entirely on executing their game plan. The impact was immediate. Within months of these alignment camps, South Africa had not only stabilized but had also started defeating their biggest rivals, including a historic victory over New Zealand in their own backyard. Just a year later, despite being ranked only seventh in the world at the start of the tournament, the Springboks became World Cup champions.
Takeaways For Leaders
High-performance leaders—whether in sports, business, or entertainment—can take key lessons from this approach:
1. Alignment First, Execution Second
Before diving into tactics and execution, ensure your team understands and believes in the vision. Clarity upfront prevents wasted effort later.
2. Listen Before Leading
Creating space for open dialogue allows people to voice concerns, align on goals, and feel invested in the mission. A lack of communication breeds doubt and disengagement.
3. Commitment Over Compliance
True alignment isn’t just about understanding the plan—it’s about buying into it. When people feel heard, they commit fully, and commitment drives performance.
4. Culture Sets Performance Levels
A team that trusts each other and shares a common purpose will outperform a technically superior but misaligned group every time.
Many leaders believe they don’t have time to slow down for these conversations. But the truth is, without alignment, they’ll waste even more time correcting course when things go wrong. Erasmus summed it up best: “Being aligned means being dedicated to your team and its goals. Even if you don’t speak, your actions and your energy will show if you are truly on board.”
"Being Born In A Stable Does Not Make One A Horse."
Duke of Wellington - Army Officer & Statesman
High-performance leaders often rush into execution without ensuring alignment, but Rassie Erasmus’ approach with the Springboks proves why alignment must come first. Instead of immediate training camps, he prioritized open discussions, addressing concerns, and uniting the team around a shared vision. This clarity prevented wasted time and built deep commitment, leading South Africa from dysfunction to World Cup champions in just 18 months. The lesson for leaders in any field is clear: alignment drives performance, and without it, even the best strategies will falter.
Coaches Notes:
1. Prioritise Alignment Before Action
Before jumping into execution, ensure your team understands the vision, goals, and expectations. A misaligned team wastes time correcting misunderstandings later.
2. Listen First, Lead Second
Creating space for open dialogue builds trust, surfaces hidden issues, and fosters genuine commitment. Leadership isn’t just about speaking—it’s about understanding.
3. Commitment Beats Compliance
True high performance comes from buy-in, not just instruction. People perform at their best when they feel valued, heard, and connected to the bigger picture.
4. Culture Defines Performance
A united, trust-driven culture will always outperform a technically skilled but divided team. Invest in relationships, shared purpose, and clear communication.
5. Slowing Down Saves Time
Taking time to align early prevents costly misalignment later. Leaders often feel there’s no time to pause, but failing to do so only leads to wasted effort and course corrections under pressure.