By Liz Masen and Kate Ross
Brian Canavan, Head of the Sydney Roosters Football Club (2013 NRL Premiership winners), shares what’s central to success
Whilst being at the helm of the Sydney Roosters through his second NRL premiership is a much-savored achievement in itself, Brian Canavan highlights his greatest sense of value in fostering the potential of his staff and players. He credits his ability to relate to people, build strong relationships and his thorough understanding of the importance of people skills as central to his success to date.
Brian’s advice to those starting out in their career in sport is to volunteer to coach junior sport and continue to coach until you master people management. “All you need to learn to succeed in your professional career (and life), to influence and to lead, can be honed this way.”
Brian also stressed the importance of diversifying your knowledge of the industry. The strident necessity of having experience and insight across the entire spectrum of sport is essential in order to be truly effective in a leadership role. “Being an expert in or having exceptional experience in just one ‘silo’ doesn’t serve you in senior management. You need insight across the organization and industry to be truly effective.”
After teaching for 10 years (whilst coaching juniors and seniors) he received his first full-time position in professional sport as the S&C coach at the Brisbane Broncos. He has spent the next 24 years progressing through the coaching ranks, rising through management, holding key positions within the governing body and in consulting.
“Now in my role, I can predict the knock-on effects of any decision I make will have throughout the organization, on our team, fans, wider community and our sport. This I value more and more every day.”
This article was featured in People+Sport Magazine: Education and Professional Development Edition which is available to read online here.
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