The power of tenacity
Persistence and tenacity, or vasbyt as it’s known in Afrikaans, is essential for success, both in life and in business. There will always be difficulties and hurdles to overcome. Naysayers will often try to put you off course. It’s tenacity that will see you through because it’s when you possess a deep-rooted resolve to make it to the other side, whatever it takes, that success can be achieved.
The Springboks had us on the edge of our seats for three consecutive live-or-die games, but through their sheer willingness to do what it took to win and with the super determination that only comes from working together as a team, they edged their opponents out of contention. Just one point in each of these decisive games was what it took and that’s what they managed to deliver.
Leadership: More than just a single figure
Siya Kolisi’s leadership as captain of the Springboks is nothing short of inspirational. He is immensely respected, always drives from the front and is compassionate, dedicated, hardworking and willing to support his team members in every which way he can. He talks, sings, runs, scrums and scores with total abandon, never leaving anyone behind. When he is on the field there is only one leader. He makes the calls and his team follows him without question.
However, teams with a strong leader can fail when that leader is unavailable. Not so the Springboks. If Siya had to leave the field during the game, another player in line stepped up and the team supported him with the same enthusiasm with which they follow Siya. Whether it was Duane Vermeulen that took charge, or any of the other designated leaders in the squad, the team carried on as intended.
The value of institutional knowledge, while adapting for the future
The Springboks had a remarkable legacy of more than 100 years on which to draw during this year’s Rugby World Cup competition. In addition, they had already won the Web Ellis Cup three times before. A rich database of institutional knowledge could thus be tapped to fine-tune their campaign.
However, what could even be more important, is the willingness of the Boks to adapt some of their most treasured traditions for a new era. When some players mentioned a few years ago that several of the usual motivational songs the team sang before and after games did not fully represent the team’s diverse composition, a new era was born.
The singing of a varied selection of songs by the Boks today better represents both the team and the whole country, resonating with profound impact and encapsulating not just the spirit of the team, but the essence of an entire nation. Observing Eben Etzebeth, now widely and affectionately known as “Elizabedi”, partake in the traditional act of ululation is a remarkable and uplifting spectacle. Institutional knowledge is incredibly important and should be jealously protected, but not at the expense of adapting to new realities.
As another example of ably adjusting to create a fresh experience, the management of the Springbok team led by Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, exhibited exceptional foresight by arranging for the players’ families to be present during the tournament. This has never happened before. Demonstrating empathy and a profound grasp of the dynamics that drive optimal performance within a team, this signifies a clear understanding of how to tweak traditions for future success.
Someone else is not going to save you, you need to do it for yourself
It can be irritating when people whine, moan and complain without being willing to tackle challenges head on themselves to get the job done. No one else is going to do what you need to do. You just simply must stand and be counted.
Pieter-Steph du Toit’s job in the Rugby World Cup final was to tackle and tackle he did. A full record-equalling 28 times. Without his individual vasbyt and readiness to go to that effort, the final game against the All Blacks would not have been won.
We all work and play in teams, but within your team, do your job yourself. Do not expect anyone else to do it for you.
Unity and meritocracy: Beyond racism
The Springboks’ success was underpinned by a focus on merit and character, transcending racial boundaries.
Public accusations of racism can sometimes be used as an excuse for incompetence and to keep political parties relevant. With the most diverse team in its history, the Boks worked hard together, with everyone in the group giving their all, not for themselves, but for the team and, importantly, for South Africa as a whole.
The Rugby World Cup 2023 Springboks focused on a much bigger and more important goal than winning the tournament. They never forgot their role as ambassadors of hope for the entire country.
Celebrating the festive season and anticipating a milestone year
Wherever your destination during the holidays, have a safe journey and enjoy a happy festive season with your loved ones. Rest well and we’ll see you in 2024, a milestone year when Atterbury Property will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
The manner in which the team won the Web Ellis Cup gives us hope
This wonderful time of the year always offers us an opportunity to reflect on the previous 12 months and look forward to what’s next. Amongst the many challenges our country faces the Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks stand out as a beacon of optimism, not only for winning, but also for how they managed to end the tournament victorious not for themselves, but for the whole South African nation.
Injuries, yellow cards, fatigue, referee decisions, a hostile local crowd, trailing behind on the score board in the last minutes of more than one game and many more trials and tribulations faced the Boks. Yet they persevered.
Considering the resilience and tenacity demonstrated by the team in overcoming their various obstacles, we at Atterbury Property are motivated by their outlook of unwavering optimism in the face of challenges. Such an attitude instils in us a profound sense of hope for the forthcoming year and all the opportunities that lie ahead.
