The World-Class Coach Leading with Humility, Trust and Belief | Johann van Graan
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this captivating episode of "The Essential Habits of High Performance," rugby coach Johan van Graan shares the fundamental habits that have driven his success from the Bulls to Bath Rugby, including breaking a 29-year trophy drought. (04:14) The conversation explores how van Graan developed his analytical approach to rugby starting at age 16, his consistent practice of carrying a notebook everywhere, and his morning stillness routine that provides clarity for decision-making. (19:53) Throughout the discussion, van Graan emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with truth-tellers rather than yes-men, maintaining balance between rugby and life, and always staying true to yourself regardless of external pressures.
- Main Theme: The episode focuses on the essential daily habits that create sustained excellence in high-performance environments, particularly the power of self-reflection, authentic leadership, and maintaining perspective on what truly matters in both sport and life.
Speakers
Johan van Graan
Johan van Graan is one of rugby's most respected coaches, having worked with elite teams across the globe including the South African Springboks, the Bulls, Munster, and currently Bath Rugby where he ended a 29-year trophy drought. He began his coaching career at age 21, starting as an analyst with the Bulls before progressing through various coaching roles. Van Graan has been part of World Cup campaigns with the Springboks and has coached in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, bringing a unique global perspective to his coaching philosophy.
Key Takeaways
Make Yourself Unmissable by Doing What Others Won't
Early in his career, van Graan received crucial advice from mentor Heyneke Meyer: ensure you have the knowledge to convince players and make yourself unmissable by doing things others aren't prepared to do. (06:50) This philosophy shaped van Graan's approach throughout his career. At the Bulls in 2008, he simultaneously served as attack coach, forwards coach, and oversaw the entire technical department - roles that would typically be too much for one person, but he embraced the challenge. The key is identifying work that genuinely makes a difference rather than just staying busy with meaningless tasks. This habit of embracing additional responsibility and finding opportunities others avoid has been fundamental to his career progression.
Develop a Clear Personal Why and Live by It
At age 19, van Graan was challenged by a friend to define who he was as a person, and he admits he had no idea at the time. (10:15) It took him several years to discover his core identity: "Man of God, family man" who believes in making a difference and dreaming big dreams. This clarity about his personal why has become his North Star, helping him make decisions and stay grounded regardless of external pressures. Van Graan emphasizes that once you become comfortable with who you are, you can make a genuine difference in others' lives. This self-awareness allows him to coach players the way he hopes coaches will one day coach his own children - with their best interests at heart, always having their back, and creating space for growth through mistakes.
Write Everything Down for Reflection and Learning
Van Graan carries a notebook everywhere, writing hourly in meetings, conversations, and during reflective moments. (14:32) This habit, learned from his father who kept hundreds of black books, is based on the principle that humans remember what they want to remember and forget what they want to forget. Writing thoughts down in ink makes them permanent and available for future reflection. Van Graan regularly revisits his notes - whether reviewing opposition analysis from previous encounters with teams like Harlequins (21:42) or reflecting on personal decisions like team selections. He keeps separate books for different themes, including one dedicated to quotes and meaningful moments. This practice provides him with a personal database of wisdom, learnings, and experiences that continues to inform his decision-making years later.
Surround Yourself with Truth-Tellers, Not Yes-Men
Van Graan maintains relationships with six different mentors across various life areas - coaching, business, faith, and friendship. (29:10) He specifically gives them permission to tell him the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. A powerful example came when presenting for the Munster coaching position - mentor Franz Ludeke told him bluntly, "You're not going to get that job" because van Graan was presenting what he thought people wanted to hear rather than being authentic. (30:25) After revising his approach to be genuinely himself, Ludeke confirmed he would get the position. Van Graan believes it's crucial to keep your circle small but ensure those within it will provide honest feedback. Most people seek validation, but true growth comes from those willing to challenge your thinking and hold you accountable to higher standards.
Maintain Balance by Remembering Rugby Is What You Do, Not Who You Are
Despite rugby's intensity, van Graan maintains that "Rugby is what we do, it's not who we are." (26:03) He prioritizes looking after players' partners, families, and post-rugby plans because careers can end instantly. Van Graan keeps a quote on his office wall from his grandfather: "Enjoy every day of your life because it's later than you think." (28:33) This perspective helps him focus on creating memories rather than just winning games. He believes we'll remember the moments and relationships from sporting experiences rather than specific match details. This balanced approach helps players and staff maintain perspective, ensuring they don't lose themselves in the intensity of professional sport while still maintaining the standards necessary for excellence.
Statistics & Facts
- Van Graan started his analysis work in 1995 using VHS recording machines, buying two with his pocket money to cut and compile game footage - this was during rugby's early professional era, as the sport only turned professional in 1996. (04:58)
- He began his coaching career at the remarkably young age of 21, which was considered very unusual in professional rugby coaching circles. (06:28)
- In the 2022 season mentioned, Bath finished with 62 points in the Premiership but Northampton went through as the number one seed for home advantage, demonstrating how slim margins determine success - this was decided by just one win difference. (41:52)