Five things HR professionals can learn from Rugby

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On many Saturdays throughout the year, I’m either attending or watching a rugby match.  Rugby is a worldwide game, although nowhere near as popular in the US as it is in other parts of the world.  My husband, being from South Africa, grew up playing the game and even as an adult he continues by coaching a local team.  It has always been part of his life.

As an American, however, I’ve had to learn the game primarily by watching and asking a LOT of questions.  There are about 45 referee signals alone; the only one I always remember is the one for “bleeding wound” (don’t ask).

And while there are many awesome things I enjoy about the sport, there are some key attributes of rugby that have always struck me as being closely related to our world of HR:

Rugby has “laws,” not rules

The International Rugby Board establishes the laws that apply to rugby played all over the world; laws which serve to provide clarity and understanding among players, referees and spectators.  In addition, the rules assess punishment for violation in proportion to the infraction.  When a player continues to commit the same infraction incrementally, it may ultimately lead to the referee issuing a yellow card and sending the player to the “sin bin” where he is banished for 10 minutes to think about/contemplate his actions.   However, severe misconduct will lead to a “red card” – banishment from the rest of the match.

HR LESSON: HR policies are based on law; this is why we have Harassment Policies for example.   And we are certainly well-served by having HR policies that provide clarity and understanding of consequences.   I would much rather communicate practices based on reasoning than enforce “rules” which implies governing the actions of many due to the behavior of a few (Hello?  Dress Code policy?).

Rugby has a fundamental value of being “gentlemanly”

There’s a saying that “football is a gentleman’s game played by hooligans, and rugby is a hooligans’ game played by gentlemen”.  While the game, if watched casually, appears to be violent, the behavior and demeanor by the players is truly “polite.”  No one argues with the referee; in fact, even in the most heated moments, teammates will quickly restrain a teammate who even appears to be thinking of questioning a decision.  And they all call the referee “sir.”  A field full of hulking, sweating, hard-breathing players referring to the referee deferentially and politely as “sir” is a sight to behold.

HR LESSON: If we embrace a culture and manner of treating others respectfully, that attitude and behavior can infiltrate throughout our organizations.

Anyone can play rugby

This is truly an equal-opportunity sport.  If you watch a rugby match, you will note that players are short, tall, stout, thin, fast and slow.   While there are 15 players on the pitch (field) at any one time, each position requires characteristics and skills specific to that position.   That being said however, each player MUST possess the same core competencies because everyone has to be able to tackle, catch, carry and pass the ball at any time. And every single player participates fully throughout the duration of the match.

HR LESSON: Recognizing that individuals bring something unique and special to the organization is what workplace diversity is all about.  If we can get all employees on board and “solid” in the core skills and organizational competencies, we can allow them to be free to use their INDIVIDUAL and unique talents for the betterment of themselves AND the organization.

Rugby players regard their injuries as badges of honor

At every match or gathering of rugby players, one is bound to see cauliflower ears, black-eyes, well-worn scars, and even a dislocated limb or two….and hear the history behind it.   Rugby players “play hard” but they are also well-trained and conditioned to be physically and mentally prepared.  A good rugby player is constantly accessing the risks and planning play on what he assesses.  Playing smart is what’s important.  This includes being physically in good condition since endurance and stamina are important as the play in rugby is “straight through” the two 40-minute halves – no time outs!

HR LESSON: Taking well thought out risks can lead to a positive outcome, and it’s a given that we may endure some bumps and bruises along the way. But if we encourage people to endure and “play on” and make it OK for them to occasionally fail, they can look back at the lessons learned as THEIR badges of honor.

Rugby players are bound together by their “passion” for the game

There is truly a community within rugby, and at any gathering of current or former players, NO ONE is a stranger.  This comes from the history, values and traditions of the sport.   There are shared songs and stories, and rugby players emit a very strong passion for their game.   This camaraderie among players builds strong social networks, and while two teams may engage in a hard-fought match, once the referee signals the end of the game with his whistle, ALL the players unite in celebration; I think it’s really a mandatory element of the game!  And yes, there will be ‘several’ glasses of ale, beer or some other libation hoisted.

HR LESSON: Building, living and sharing your organizational culture can lead to a sense of community, excitement and passion for your employees.  Move beyond the “mission statement” and do some cultural story-telling to build a true workplace community.

So while I may not have grown up as a fan of rugby, I have found it to be an exciting sport to watch and a vibrant and fun community in which to be involved.  Plus, rugby is just sort of cool……………… and isn’t that what we want HR to be?