In search of a guru

I will start this blog with a question. Why are there so very few "gurus" in coaching? We often read stories about "gurus” or “experts" in other fields; fields that vary to the extremes from rocket science to flower arranging. Yet to be called an “expert” coach is very rare! I have been very fortunate to have seen some of the best coaches around - each with their own different take on things and ways of delivery. But even with the level of success many of these “expert” coaches have, there is still a high level of criticism fired at them from others. I don't think this is the classic Kiwi "tall poppy" syndrome as I see it outside New Zealand as well. So what is it? Can no one be considered an expert in rugby coaching? Is it only acceptable if they are from another sport and not rugby? Many coaches out there have books by Wooden, Lombardi etc and quote excerpts from them as if reading from the bible! Could the problem lie within our own insecurities? Often if we are uncertain or feel we do not have all the facts we tend to dispel or attack the methods used by others. Human nature? Probably, but why is it so rampant in rugby? Egos maybe?  Or the pressure to succeed?  More than likely a combination of the two. With the limited opportunities out there the key indicator to the worth of a coach appears to be results and often with this guise of success comes an inflated image of self worth. Of all the coaches I have met at whatever level I have found very few who are just plain bad! Some have great content but deliver poorly while others put on a great show but fall flat on technical issues. Each one is different and should be seen as such. Coaches should be allowed to claim the “expert” tag if they can form a combination of the two and then learn from them. Be open to learn from technical and the tactical expertise, formulate your own style but still be true to who you are. Then you too may even consider yourself an expert!

It is no coincidence that the best coaches I have met happily share their methods. It is what we do with those methods that can shape us as coaches. So to be a coaching “guru”, continue to share and learn. Be willing to push the envelope and accept the odd defeat. The criticism will still been thrown your way but be safe in the knowledge that those throwing it will probably quickly move on to the next target as all they likely see are obstacles to their own success and not opportunities to learn from the "guru".