Similarity between Rugby and Management

 Rugby is currently my favorite sport, but it's not something I've always loved. I became a fan after the World Cup held in Japan four years ago, and I'm mostly interested in international events. In this year's World Cup in France, South Africa secured their record fourth victory, and I couldn't help but wake up at 4 in the morning on a Sunday to watch the final match against New Zealand. It was an amazing game with both teams pouring their hearts into it, even playing through injuries.



While I do enjoy baseball, it often comes down to individual versus individual battles, and soccer has its periods of stagnation. Rugby, on the other hand, demands constant teamwork, both in offense and defense. It's a sport where individual superstars can't single-handedly make a difference; players always need to move in coordination with their teammates. It's a sport that involves dialogues with referees, and unlike other sports, not every foul results in a free kick. Players must decide whether to go for a scrum, a kick, or another outplay option, which requires their judgment.

Moreover, there are no coaches on the rugby field, and players must make decisions by themselves. Players must rely on their autonomy and leadership.

To sum up my long introduction, what I aim for in my company is a management style akin to rugby. The president acts like a coach, providing general strategies and direction from a distance. However, in the actual workplace (field), leaders need to make decisions based on their beliefs and take actions.

To create a team that can grow and take on challenges, we need to increase opportunities for individuals to make decisions. It's not about having one superstar salesperson but rather about different departments and individuals cooperating as a team. It's not about one person being superior; everyone is part of the same team, sometimes helping, sometimes being helped, and always moving forward together.

This aspect is much like the style of rugby. Even after such a fierce clash in a match, players respect and praise their opponents in post-match comments, demonstrating a 'no side' spirit. Within a company, differing opinions and disagreements are welcome, but once a team decision is made, everyone works together to implement it.

Furthermore, it's a sport that allows players to represent Japan as long as they have played rugby in the country to some extent. It's truly a sport that leverages people's strengths and thrives on embracing differences.

The more I think about it, the more I believe that rugby encompasses significant elements crucial for businesses. Discovering points of convergence between business and private life is key to enriching life and ensuring sustainable growth."

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