Cambridge Cluster

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It was a privilege to watch two top rugby schools battle it out as part of a community service evening held by Leicester Rugby Club.  Wellington College v Sedbergh (my old school) featured approx eight U18 internationals from the former and the latter fielded approx six.  It was a tense match with the strongly fancied Wellington just failing to catch up Sedbergh who had had a very strong first half.

Sadly, three minutes from time one of the Sedbergh boys suffered a broken leg.  The doctor used all the latest technology and devices to keep the very brave young lad sedated and give him the best chance of getting back to fitness as soon as possible.

How often in the world of technology have we seen the favourites not take the winnings?  What is the secret of the winning team?  The angel investors can try to be the best possible coaches but, in the end, it is up to the team to win.  Options and incentives are great motivators but the team must gell, everyone for each other, trusting and working for the common goal.  Of course great players are needed but it is all about harnessing the team; lifting the performance of the lesser players so that the whole is greater than the parts.  Even the best game plan or business plan depends on the players making the right call at the right time.

Most entrepreneurs build a team once but great coaches build winning teams season after season.  Two great teams at Leicester, two great teams of coaches.  It was a privilege to see young people give their all on the 11 November 2009.  The young of today may be different from us old folk but the world is in safe hands.