Work Hard and Get the Job Done: Rugby and Construction

Rugby teaches athletes valuable skills that they will use for the rest of their lives- on and off the field. Athletes learn to respect each other and their coaching staff, work cohesively as a team to accomplish goals and develop techniques to strengthen their skill set, just to name a few.

For RUNY athlete Jamal Hadley, the sport taught him the importance of leadership, accountability and hard work. As a Project Manager and Site Supervisor for construction company Murphy Kennedy Group, he uses these skills on a daily basis to fulfill his duties and lead his crew.

“Construction can feel overwhelming at certain times,” Hadley told us. “It’s important to keep your head down and grind through it.”

As a Project Manager and Site Supervisor, Jamal oversees his construction crew. As the Manager, he divides tasks amongst the members, manages all the projects currently in progress, and acts as a liaison amongst many different parties.

“There are jobs that call for multiple companies to coordinate their work through me,” Jamal told us. “I take pride in my leadership abilities to get it done. Our goal is to keep everyone happy at the end of the day.”

Jamal has developed close relationships with his crew through his leadership roles. His strong communication skills effectively motivate his crew to ensure they complete their projects on time. His positive attitude, regardless of the work that needs to be done, is key to Jamal’s effective leadership. His accountability is also a necessary component to his role at Murphy Kennedy Group, as his daily decision making greatly affects both his crew and the company.

“I have to make decisions that will affect the outcome of the project,” he told us. “I know that the success of a job rests solely on my ability to do the right thing and produce favorable results for our clients.”

Days in construction are long, mistakes can happen, and last-minute details can even impact deadlines. But Rugby has taught Jamal that if you put in the hard work, the rewards will follow.

“I get the jobs done because that is what is asked of me,” Hadley concluded. “At the end of the day, the work can be grueling, but it is the results that bring me the most joy.”

Rugby, like construction, rewards those who work hard and exceed expectations. They both can foster safe spaces for expressing individuality and diversity. Hadley uses these values to succeed at the highest level in everything he does.