Kevin Mackie’s Post

My three sons all support Scottish Rugby.  And after this weekend’s result against the French, that is a commitment anyone would start to question. Why follow a team that manages to regularly grab defeat from the jaws of victory?  Why endure the heartache of watching a golden generation of players fail in every major competition?  Why do all referees seem to have a vendetta against us (I’m talking about you Craig Joubert)? Why do all of that, especially given that all three were born and raised in England? Group identity is a powerful emotion.  That feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.  That shared sense of belonging and commitment that group members have towards each other and the group as a whole.  It can unify you in the depths of shared despair, give you courage to fight together or the resilience band together to keep going.  Strangers are instant compatriots, united against a common threat.  A positive shared identity can be the keystone of inclusion, collaboration and trust.  Which raises the question - why do so may organisations ignore it? Sure – many will reference their organisational purpose as the source of their unity.  Which is true – up to a point.  But if purpose is ‘our why’, then identity is ‘our who’.  A solid, clear sense of organisational self would seem to be a necessary first step on the road to defining your contribution to the world around us.  Without it, it’s much harder to recognise and leverage the collective strengths and capabilities needed to keep going in the face of adversity.  Just ask my sons, who’ve already learnt that stoicism, resilience and a good sense of humour are essential attributes for supporting Scotland.  What is your organisational identity and how does it make your teams stronger? 

My three sons all support Scottish Rugby.  And after this weekend’s result against the French, that is a commitment anyone would start to question. Why follow a team that manages to regularly grab defeat from the jaws of victory?  Why endure the heartache of watching a golden generation of players fail in every major competition?  Why do all referees seem to have a vendetta against us (I’m talking about you Craig Joubert)? Why do all of that, especially given that all three were born and raised in England? Group identity is a powerful emotion.  That feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.  That shared sense of belonging and commitment that group members have towards each other and the group as a whole.  It can unify you in the depths of shared despair, give you courage to fight together or the resilience band together to keep going.  Strangers are instant compatriots, united against a common threat.  A positive shared identity can be the keystone of inclusion, collaboration and trust.  Which raises the question - why do so may organisations ignore it? Sure – many will reference their organisational purpose as the source of their unity.  Which is true – up to a point.  But if purpose is ‘our why’, then identity is ‘our who’.  A solid, clear sense of organisational self would seem to be a necessary first step on the road to defining your contribution to the world around us.  Without it, it’s much harder to recognise and leverage the collective strengths and capabilities needed to keep going in the face of adversity.  Just ask my sons, who’ve already learnt that stoicism, resilience and a good sense of humour are essential attributes for supporting Scotland.  What is your organisational identity and how does it make your teams stronger? 

⚽ The Euros Are Here!!! ⚽ As a massive footy fan, I’m really looking forward to the next 4 weeks of tournament football and hoping FOOTBALL IS COMING HOME!!!! 🏆 As a Leeds United season ticket holder, I’m also very used to disappointment, so if football doesn’t come home, I’m well-equipped to deal with it! 😂. So, what are our actual chances of Southgate leading us to our first major tournament win in 58 years? Who knows, but one thing’s for sure, Southgate has led us to the most success we’ve had in a long time! 🌟 So how has he done this and what can other leaders inside and outside of football take from this? Build a Team Spirit & Great Culture 🤝 For me, this is where the start of the success began for Southgate! His emphasis on unity, togetherness, pride, and working for each other has built a winning and high-performing culture where everyone has each others back. The team spirit is off the charts and can only impact performance in a positive way! 🏅 Have a Clear Vision and Confidence in your Approach 🧠 Whether you agree or disagree with Southgate’s team choices or tactics, you can’t argue that he always sticks to his guns. He has set a clear vision on how he approaches things both on and off the field. He has undoubtably managed to influence the media to be less critical and join that team sprit to get behind the boys! Some say he’s too defensive, but you don’t win tournaments if you leak goals! 🚫⚽ His approach in setting a clear vision with short, medium, and long-term goals, then bringing the team and the nation on that journey. Nurturing Young Talent 🌱 Before taking on the full England national team, Southgate led the under-21s, working with and nurturing England’s youth talent. He’s brought them through and prepared them well for international duties. There are still some big names in this 2024 England squad that he’s worked with in the youth setup, like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, to name a few. He also believes in young talent and gives them a chance! 🌟 Now, I’m sure some people will have different views on this, but all I can say is whether you agree or disagree, let’s get behind the team and pray for football to come home! 🙏 Let’s see what the next few weeks bring! Fingers crossed for a victorious tournament! COME ON ENGLAND!!! 🏆🎉 Fruition IT #leaders #euro2024 #footballscominghome

At Least… ... England made it to the final. ... it didn’t go to penalties. ... England will have another chance in two years at the World Cup (unfortunately, my team, Italy, cannot say the same). ... the team is young and will have many more opportunities. ... the team played with heart and gave it their all. .. this is likely to be Gareth Southgate’s last game, and a new manager might be less cautious (though I believe Southgate has done a brilliant job). ... we should not (fingers crossed) see the same racism we witnessed after England’s last final defeat. ... you got to celebrate a goal in the final. ... we have the Premier League to look forward to next month. As Brené Brown says in her brilliant RSA short (see comments), “Rarely, if ever, does an empathic response begin with, ‘At least…’” Saying "at least" often minimises the significance of someone's hurt or concerns, making them feel undervalued or dismissed. It can also come across as insincere or condescending, undermining trust and communication. As an Italy fan, there is very little I can say other than I feel with you. I truly understand the impact of losing a final, and I sympathise with every English fan this morning. I am gutted for you. The feeling will subside, but right now, I totally get that you are hurting. However I do hope that in the future, if you ever find yourself saying ‘at least...,’ that you remember to check yourself and apologise for minimising someone’s feelings. Just let them know you are there for them right now. Often, that’s all they need to hear. #Empathy #Sympathy #AtLeast #InclusiveLeadership

Poor Leadership or Circumstance? Evaluating Warren Gatland’s Tenure Amid Welsh Rugby’s Challenges The Welsh rugby team faces an unprecedented crisis, grappling with defeats and structural issues. Head coach Warren Gatland, once revered for his successes, is under scrutiny after 12 consecutive losses, including Saturdays 45-12 defeat to South Africa. The pressing question: is this a failure of leadership or the result of systemic challenges? Gatland’s return in December 2022 brought optimism, but his second tenure has exposed deeper problems. The exodus of experienced players due to financial pressures and internal disputes has forced young, unprepared talent into international rugby. This has been exacerbated by mismanagement within the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and declining grassroots participation, weakening the talent pipeline. However, distinguishing poor leadership from difficult circumstances requires a critical analysis. Effective leaders provide clarity, take accountability, adapt under pressure, and foster unity. Has Gatland demonstrated these qualities amidst chaos? Or has systemic dysfunction tied his hands? While Gatland’s leadership is under the microscope, many issues extend beyond his control: • Player Exodus: Financial pressures have pushed top players abroad, depleting the squad. • Administrative Disarray: Mismanagement at the WRU and regional levels has stalled progress. • Declining Grassroots Rugby: Participation has dropped due to head injury fears, eroding the pipeline of future talent. Blaming Gatland oversimplifies a complex problem. Rebuilding after the departure of senior players requires time, resources, and a stable foundation, none of which the current system provides. Restoring Welsh rugby will take more than a leadership change. Systemic reform is critical: • Invest in Grassroots Rugby: Revitalising the sport at community levels will ensure long-term sustainability. • Improve Governance: Stability and accountability at the WRU are essential for rebuilding trust and effectiveness. • Support Talent Development: Fostering young players with a long-term focus is vital for future. The struggles of Welsh rugby highlight the interplay between leadership and structural challenges. While Gatland offers continuity and experience, true recovery depends on systemic reform and collective action. Strong leadership must navigate adversity, but even the best leaders need the right structures to succeed.

Essential Compliance Tackles the Pitch: Sponsoring Zurrieq FC and Empowering Young Players! At Essential Compliance Limited, environmental and social responsibility aren't just words on paper, they're cornerstones of our values. That's why we're thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the Zurrieq Football Club, a local club dedicated to fostering a love for the sport and nurturing young talent. We believe in the power of sports to bring communities together, promote healthy lifestyles, and instil essential values like teamwork and discipline in young people. By supporting Zurrieq FC, we're not just investing in a football club, we're investing in the future of Żurrieq and its youth. This sponsorship aligns perfectly with Essential Compliance's commitment to corporate social responsibility. We believe that businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to the communities they operate in, and we're proud to play our part in making Żurrieq a better place. Join us in cheering on Zurrieq FC and their young players! We encourage everyone in the community to show their support by attending matches, participating in events, and spreading the word. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these young athletes. #EssentialCompliance #ZurrieqFC #Football #Community #SocialResponsibility #NurseryProgram #Malta #Żurrieq P.S. Don't forget to follow Zurrieq FC on social media for the latest updates and news! https://lnkd.in/drvx2vyi #TogetherWeScore

Whatever your role in life or work, a smile or a hug are brilliant things. But why don't we do them more? 🤔 I used to work in a corporate environment in banks. Nobody hugged anyone and most people dashed out the door at the end of their shift. People rarely smiled. Now, I work with small business owners, and I see and experience a lot more hugs and friendly smiles. But it is still a challenge for many people to connect at a human level - even just a smile. Is it that people are just fed up with jobs more today than ever before? E.g. there is a lot of dissatisfaction and frustration around. Is it that people think it's better to remain tough, hard and focused to show they are serious about getting the job done? E.g. they don't ever smile. Or, is it something else. 👀 The clip below is a brilliant example of connecting at a human level and asking permission to do so. What do you think? 🤔 #business #businessintelligence #leadership #motivation

Poor quality rugby fields hinder the development of rugby in the Eastern Cape (EC), posing challenges to the Grand Challenge: *Impact on Player Development:* 1. Increased injuries: Substandard fields lead to injuries, hindering player growth. 2. Limited skills development: Poor surfaces restrict players' ability to practice and master skills. 3. Reduced competitiveness: EC teams struggle to compete against teams from regions with better facilities. *Challenges for the Grand Challenge:* 1. Hosting matches: Subpar fields compromise the EC's ability to host high-profile matches. 2. Attracting talent: Poor facilities deter top players and coaches from joining EC teams. 3. Sponsorship and funding: Inferior infrastructure discourages sponsors and investors. *Consequences for Rugby Growth:* 1. Stunted grassroots growth: Poor fields discourage participation, especially among youth. 2. Brain drain: Talented players seek better opportunities elsewhere. 3. Limited national representation: EC teams' competitiveness suffers, reducing national team selections. *Potential Solutions:* 1. Infrastructure investment: Upgrade existing fields and build new ones. 2. Maintenance and upkeep: Regularly maintain fields to ensure safety and playability. 3. Partnerships and collaborations: Engage with local authorities, sponsors, and rugby bodies to support development. The Eastern Cape's rugby growth and Grand Challenge success depend on addressing these infrastructure challenges.

To echo what has been said by Alex Toolis, Super Series has served as a much needed bridge between the professional and club game, as was its intended purpose. As a nation with only 2 pro teams, a semi-pro league was an excellent way of developing talent in a limited pool. Many players within the league started at U20 age and have either just progressed or have only just graduated from U20 level, and so perhaps the impact of Super Series has not yet been fully realised? On a similar note as mentioned by Alex, several Scottish Qualified players have came into Boroughmuir Bears and exited to a higher standard of game, whether that be 7's, Pro contracts, or the English Champ. From a coaching perspective, this has of massive value in enhancing my skill-set and knowledge base as a practitioner, and was my first role in S&C. It also highlighted to me that outside of regional academies, very few players had any structured S&C input, which is pivotal to player development. The focus of the Bears was always to develop players, and we branded ourselves around evolution, winning games was a nice bonus. The Bears served as an aspiration for kids coming into Boroughmuir, and served as an achievable stepping stone into the pro game. Super Series definitely had room for improvement, had these areas been addressed it would've been great to see where another 5yrs would take the game. I will personally be sad to see this competition end. #rugbyunion #scottishrugby #strengthandconditioning

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