Si’s Reviews > Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby > Status Update

I thoroughly enjoyed this read.It encapsulates my chosen theme for this year - leadership.It's an inspiring read.Rassie has a zest for life which he expresses through his passion and technical acumen for rugby.Rassie is personalised in this book.The prolific themes include passion, technical knowledge, resilience and resolve.Ambition doesn't favour all, and there are times when leaders need to account for actions.

Accountability is one of my mantras. More to the point, being accountable requires emotional intelligence and results in growth and improved performance. In the next two chapters (Chapters 21 and 22), Rassie accepts responsibility for his actions, even though it was not intentional.

The two chapters I have just read, Chapters 19&20, are quite heavy. Rassie's integrity is questioned and his intentions are unpacked. Chapter 20 details the leaked video that was submitted to the World Rugby team.

These chapters clearly demonstrate that leadership cannot be romanticised or nonchalant. Tough calls need to be made to drive the ultimate expected outcome.

The book is getting more technical and Rassie is using descriptive writing to place me, as the reader, in front of the pitch. The intensity is rising as I read.
These past few pages are thrilling and Rassie's passion about SA, rugby, transformation, and existentialism are palpable.

A truly honest account from Rassie.
I enjoyed the detailed writings un Chapter 14 of the tactics deployed in some of the Rugby Championship games, nail-biting writing. The author tackles the reader emotionally by making the reader relate. Some of the decisions taken before a match can seem misguided during the match if your why is not strong enough. I refer this to my own work space - did I call the right "plays"...

I'm still enjoying the read.
I'm treading the chapters with caution as the matter about SA rugby challenges is being broached.

What I don't appreciate is that Rassie is going to great lengths to portray himself with the best intentions, specifically during the Allistair Coetzee coaching tenure. Many times business decisions impact other parties poorly and the ones who are left standing are seen as the instigator.

Thoroughly enjoying this read thus far.
There are so many relatable elements - this book manages to humanise Rassie, where we get glimpses of him as a person and not just an iconic leader.

I have only read 3 chapters, but the book is filled with humour that many South Africans would appreciate.

Off to an endearing start.
Rassie begins by taking us into his childhood his, family and where his love for rugby began.
I look forward to journeying through this read.