As a follow-up to my short post on the same subject two days ago, here’s a practical guide to how youth sports values—specifically from rugby—can be applied both in the playground and in the boardroom.

Once upon a time, I was 12 and my dad said something that stuck with me for life: “If you’re going to lead on the field, you need to lead off the field.” That moment came after I was first invited to captain my school rugby team. It shaped not only how I played, but how I showed up as a teammate, in class, as a friend, and eventually, a leader. Years later, that same mindset led me to found Play Rugby USA, a youth development organization that uses rugby to inspire and empower young people through our “Values in Action” framework.

Now 22 years in existence and 20 years into partnerships with schools, the program has positively impacted thousands of young people—many of whom are now adults in the workforce. I’m excited to join the annual Gala Dinner next week and celebrate with everyone who continues to make this possible.

What’s struck me—especially in my current work coaching senior leaders and executive teams through PurposeFused—is this: The same values that help kids become confident contributors are the ones that build high-performance teams in business.

And yet, while many youth sports programs and corporate cultures talk about “values,” few actually define the observable behaviors behind them. As I tell my clients: If you can’t articulate it, you can’t be intentional about it. And without intentionality, there’s no repeatable path to improvement.

Defining values means creating shared language and observable behaviors—so we can model, encourage, and embed them into how we lead, coach, and give feedback. It’s not about talk. It’s about action.

Today, as I prepare for the final two sessions of a six-week flag rugby class at my son’s elementary school—Kindergarten and 1st Grade—it’s a beautiful mix of (structured) chaos, connection, and joy. And yes, clarity and validation. Why? Because revisiting the Play Rugby USA “Values in Action” is a powerful reminder of how aligned these same principles are for five-year-olds and senior leaders.

I’ve previously shared the headlines. Here’s the unpacked version—so you can see how to implement them, whether in your community or your company.

1. Game Plan → Purpose & Strategic Alignment
For Kids: Clarity on what to do, where, and why builds confidence. Whether it’s knowing field boundaries or understanding the score, kids engage more fully when they understand the big picture.
For Leaders: Purpose and values guide strategy. Strategic alignment keeps everyone moving in the same direction—especially under pressure.
Shared Benefits: Boosts clarity and commitment. Builds alignment and accountability. Anchors decision-making in purpose.

2. Switch On → Presence & Clarity Under Pressure
For Kids: “Switching on” means being present and ready. It’s about listening, breathing, and focusing—especially before the whistle blows.
For Leaders: Modern leadership requires presence. It’s about slowing down to create space for clarity, focus, and intention.
Shared Benefits: Reduces stress and overwhelm. Increases self-awareness. Enhances focus and resilience.

3. Go-Forward → Courageous Momentum & Psychological Safety
For Kids: In rugby, your first step is always forward—even when there’s no clear path.
For Leaders: Momentum comes from trust. Create psychological safety, and people will take initiative, take risks, and grow.
Shared Benefits: Builds confidence and learning. Unlocks innovation and ownership. Fosters mutual trust.

4. Play What You See → Agility & Situational Intelligence
For Kids: Respond to the moment. Make the best decision you can—and if it doesn’t work, focus on your “next job.”
For Leaders: Agility means adjusting to change without losing your principles. Great leaders read the room, stay grounded, and act with purpose.
Shared Benefits: Enhances adaptability. Encourages smart risk-taking. Builds resilience under pressure.

5. Get There → Shared Ownership & Active Support
For Kids: Support your team. Chase the play. Be present. Grit and commitment matter.
For Leaders: Leadership is showing up. Great teams share ownership, carry extra weight, and move forward together.
Shared Benefits: Fosters collaboration. Strengthens team cohesion. Builds a culture of follow-through.

6. Try Makers, Not Just Try Scorers → Collective Impact & Role Appreciation
For Kids: Value the pass, the support line, the off-the-ball effort. Try-makers win games.
For Leaders: Impact isn’t always visible. Celebrate the behind-the-scenes work. Know how each person best contributes—and give them room to do it.
Shared Benefits: Increases engagement. Promotes inclusive recognition. Strengthens team-first culture.

7. Review Our Film → Reflective Practice & Growth Mindset
For Kids: After the game, we reflect. What worked? What didn’t? What will we do differently next time?
For Leaders: Feedback and reflection drive growth. The best teams step back, see the whole, and improve the parts—together.
Shared Benefits: Improves learning and development. Encourages feedback without fear. Fuels continuous improvement.

Final Whistle: Leadership That Lasts
What I’ve learned from 20+ years of developing people—from kindergartners to CEOs—is this: Leadership isn’t about control. It’s about clarifying direction, developing connection, and recognizing contribution.

Whether you’re helping kids navigate a playground or guiding teams through transformation, the principles are the same: Articulate them. Practice them. Welcome feedback. Improve together.

That, my friends, is what we call a culture of Going Forward Together.

Which of these Values in Action resonates most with how you lead today? What feedback would you give yourself?
If you’re interested in performing better and feeling better—whether for yourself or your team—let’s connect. I’d love to explore how I can show up as your Performance Partner.