A Moonshot aims to achieve the impossible, and this could not be more true for the NRL 3-years ago, during the depths of COVID-19 pandemic.
It seems a long time ago, and something we would prefer not to remember, but the vision and determination of the NRL persisted. A world first in sporting history, delivered during this difficult time is admirable, and something we can all learn from.
Amid lockdowns and pandemic panic, on 22 April 2020, the NRL announced their Moonshot through a press release called “Project Apollo” and this was their Moonshot Goal:
We aim for the competition to recommence on May 28.
As ABC host of Offsiders, Kelli Underwood said at the time, “With COVID-19 spreading quickly in the community, it seemed ridiculous, and attracted derision from heavy hitters in the AFL. They said, he’d never make it…” (cut to funny montage of the doubters, over the Swan Larger jingle “They said he’s never make it…”). Underwood adds that she hoped he would be kicking back with a Swan Larger when live sport returned! Hell yes.
In hindsight, now we’re all on the other side, it’s easy to brush this off and pretend it was easy. But it wasn’t! If it was, everyone would have been doing it!
What the NRL did was a world first! They overcame many challenges: one by one, from Federal, State and Local Governments, Border Force, Antivaxers, Players and Referees, and more, in an extremely volatile environment. Despite facing significant challenges and constant criticism, they were the first in the world to recommence live sport! Something that clients of The Where and The Why have drawn inspiration from, and I quote… “Balls of Steel.”
After clearing every hurdle and achieving the unachievable Project Apollo Moonshot of recommencing the competition by May 28, they were energised. What do you do when you’ve achieved your Moonshot? Make a Mars-Shot of course!
So,…The NRL announced their Mars-shot, on 24 May 2020:
To have crowds by 1st July 2020.
Of course, again they were widely criticised, but in the end hosted the biggest crowd in the world at a sporting event since the pandemic began, with the State of Origin on November 18, 2020.
And how did the world react?
The UK Daily Mail: “Are they on the same planet?” – Shocked Americans and Europeans cooped up in lockdown marvel at the 52,000 screaming State of Origin fans packed into a stadium with no masks or social distancing. The biggest sporting crowd in the world since the pandemic began.
(For those outside of Queensland, Australia, please note, COVID cases were very low in the State, and vaccination rates were +95% at this time).
Read the NRL’s fascinating story.
So what can we learn?
How to use a Moonshot as the Ultimate Goal for Your Team.
Having a clear vision is one of the most powerful ways to motivate teams. Moonshot goals are used to inspire, align, and excite teams, helping them achieve more than they ever thought possible.
A Moonshot should be one, unifying goal, that is time bound and the pinnacle of your broader vision for the organisation. All projects and initiatives should cascade from this goal and encourage excitement and activity. It should be challenging to achieve – 80% impossible, 20% possible. When developing the Moonshot with your team, you can intuitively feel it – this is not an “a-ha” moment. This is a “holy shit!” moment!
How can we help?
Where are you going? Are your team members onboard for the journey? At The Where and The Why, we can help you formulate a Moonshot that will inspire and enable your team to achieve the seemingly impossible. Reach for the moon and unlock your organisation’s true potential.
Schedule a meeting
One small step for you, One giant leap for your team: Book a free 30-min Discovery Session