High potential managers in PwC and players from the Saracens Academy came together this week for a day-long workshop to discuss and debate the qualities of leadership and high performing teams.
The group was challenged to assess their own leadership qualities and style, give each other coaching, and pin point what they could learn from the similarities and differences between life in the office and on a rugby pitch.
The workshop was facilitated by former PwC partner Vic Luck, director of the Foundation for Leadership through Sport.
Luck said: "Even though business people and athletes operate in different environments they share similar challenges in leading teams to high levels of performance. Success in both fields invariably depends on uniting individuals towards a common goal and motivating them to work extraordinarily hard for each other to achieve it.
"The session gave each group much food for thought, particularly highlighting areas on which they could focus personally to improve their leadership capabilities and impact. The workshop was part of a programme to give Saracens players an insight into the world of business and a foundation for their careers after sport. We coach young players to lead on the field and to build those skills so that they may transfer their understanding and experience to leadership roles in their careers after rugby".
PwC's head of development Susannah Anfield said the PwC team who took part saw the importance in developing close bonds with their team members.
"Seeing the team spirit between the Saracens players gave our managers an insight into the extra edge you can get by forming close bonds with your team members and really knowing and understanding what drives each other both in and out of work. For our managers it showed them that while you need to have your own responsibilities and goals in a team, it's so important to invest in getting to know each other and growing that team spirit."
The full day session was held on site at PwC's office and offered a different learning experience for all involved.
