The call of “Catch!” elicits immediate focus—a shot of adrenaline, the tensing of muscles, a sense of anticipation for fielders ... and fear in a batsman’s heart.
When Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum was interviewed on his way into the 2015 New Zealand Cricket Awards, he said something that deserves a loud call of “catch!” from every Kiwi. McCullum said, “Leave nothing out there, and try to be a good person at the same time.”
Application and attitude. Get stuck in and do your very best. And always do it with a positive spirit toward others. Whether in sport, education, business, or community service—McCullum’s wisdom is applicable in every sphere of human endeavour.
As a King’s High School Old Boy, born and raised in South Dunedin, I am immensely proud of the cricketers from my home neighbourhood: Warren Lees, Ken Rutherford, Brendon and Nathan McCullum, to name just a few. Some of us may have considered McCullum a bit of a “character” in his earlier years as a Black Cap. (Although perhaps “character” is simply synonymous with “wicket keeper”?) However, in his recent leadership responsibilities he has shown a maturity that has delivered amazing results and rightly elevated him to“hero” status.
During this year’s Cricket World Cup, our Black Caps combined personal skill and flair with discipline and application. They gave of their very best and “left nothing out there”. But what really captured our hearts was their commitment to “be good people at the same time”. Theirs was not a win-at-all-costs style of cricket. Respect for themselves and respect for others were non- negotiables.The team’s combination of application and attitude was reflected in camaraderie, humility, esteem for one another, and respect for other teams. Our cricketers showed us what it means to be “a good person” on the cricket field, and we are justifiably proud of them.
Around the world, the scandals of match fixing and the damaging effects of internal politics and power plays have taken their toll on cricket’s reputation. It’s hardly surprising then, that while Kiwi fans are delighted with our team’s results during the Cricket World Cup, our conversations inevitably move on to expressions of appreciation for the qualities and values the Black Caps lived and played by during that competition. They showed us that, in cricket, it is both possible and worthwhile to “leave nothing out there, and try to be a good person at the same time”.
Education is always more rewarding if it is in a group setting and the students apply themselves completely. Half-hearted application often leads to half-hearted results. Learning in an individualised setting is substantially limited when compared to the value of learning in group environments. People’s lives, experiences and perspectives contribute so much more to the education context, growing people’s understanding, widening their views and adding to their competencies. A learning community formed with collegiality and goodwill often supports the development of those who are part of this community for years to come. And so in education, the same maxim holds true: “Leave nothing out there, and try to be a good person at the same time.”
In business—with the pursuit of professional careers and leadership opportunities—it is vital that people are strategic, decisive, flexible, analytical, solution and results-focused, and determined to succeed. However, we need to also remember that people more readily follow and support those leaders who possess these four qualities: trust, compassion, stability and hope. Those who are ruthless, self-obsessed, ‘succeed- at-all-costs’ types, quickly lose their reputation and people are reluctant to do business with them. Good relationships are certainly the basis of good businesses and careers. People are attracted to a company that may pay less, but has a great team environment and is simply a good place to work. So, in business, the best advice is also: “Leave nothing out there, and try to be a good person at the same time.”
The Salvation Army greatly values the many supporters and partners we have around New Zealand. We are a church with a strong sense of mission to support the most marginalised and disadvantaged in society. Our great team of staff and volunteers work very hard on limited budgets to support people in a multiplicity of areas. This includes our new ASPIRE youth programme; workplace education and placement; welfare provision through food parcels, budgeting, social work, advocacy, and emergency clothing and furniture; Addiction, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services; chaplaincy and pastoral care; community meals; seniors friendship and support programmes; in-home care, and a variety of church activities. We are also active in forming workable social policy to better serve our communities and especially New Zealand’s most vulnerable people. Our Salvation Army staff and volunteers “leave nothing out there” as they serve Kiwis in need. At the same time, The Salvation Army promotes Christian values such as faith, hope, love, justice, mercy, grace and forgiveness, as each member of our team aspires to be “a good person”.
So, did you catch it? In every aspect of your life, take hold of the challenge the Blackcaps captain has set before us: “Leave nothing out there, and try to be a good person at the same time.”