What managers should learn from MS Dhoni?
To call MS Dhoni an institution is not an exaggeration. He has not only delivered on the Cricket field, his character off the field is also the reason for him being cynosure of all eyes.
His achievements and records are enviable. Many talented and skillful players came and faded away but he is still going strong. Under the microscope in the recent past, he has answered all those questioned about his place in team with his bat in style. His recent form against Sri Lanka where his match winning score became instrumental in taking India home from difficult situations has settled the debate about his place.
In the past, his critics have attributed his success to luck, timing and good fortune. Luck can't smile on someone for entire career; there are many other invaluable factors that are required to achieve such a stunning success.
Let us see all those factors and qualities that have been churning MS Dhoni out an outstanding and glittering career and inspiring us with invaluable lessons1. Managing success
M S Dhoni as captain has won two ICC World Cups. There are a few who get to see such height in career and there are fewer who can stay humble in success like him. He guided Team India to victory single handedly on many occasions, but yet stayed grounded and also invoked opponent's respect. He is one who enjoyed both stairs and elevators in his career but never let success to his head and never let failure go to his heart.
At workplace we should emulate same characters to replicate our success. Acknowledge you success and set out for bigger target. 2. Leading from the front
Dhoni has risen up to the occasion and taken the onus on him to lead India to victory, whenever team has needed him. No one can forget his match winning inning in ICC 2011 ODI World Cup. He has played a very crucial role in the victory of the team on numerous occasions.
A good manager is who bails the team out from a crunch situation. The team looks up to captain for the direction. The manager can't afford to let his shoulder down when chips are down, only his performance can settle the turbulence. 3. Managing pressure
Cricket is a religion in India. Playing for India is a pride but brings tremendous pressure and when you are the captain of the team then you are under axe all the time.
Pressure of winning each game is tough to absorb. M S Dhoni was the rare who had been captained India in all format of the game for 10 years and brought many laurels to the team. His staying calm under pressure has brought him this nickname as
“Captain Cool”.
A manager should not succumb to the pressure. He should work with best of his ability and focus on target instead of consequences. This soothes the nerves of the rest of the team and ensures that they stay focused and continue to believe in themselves. 4. Encouraging team members
Many young players have matured under Dhoni like Ravindra Jadega, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina to name a few who are now match winners. MSD always backed talents. In one of the recent interviews Virat Kohli reckoned that MS favored and saved his place in the team many time.
When you are leading a team, identifying talents and giving them confidence and chances are paramount. It is important to place immense trust on your people and backs them to deliver. This allows them to express themselves freely without the fear of failure. Team members reciprocate and feel a sense of responsibility based on the trust shown by their leaders on them.
5. Marshalling young and meager resources
Team India needed a young captain to lead in ICC T20 2007, when the selection committee saw potential in Dhoni and gave him a young and inexperienced team. Without making fuss of it, he rallied everyone to the target and went on winning the maiden cup.
A manager should never complain about the resources, instead he should work to bring best out of everyone. Now, that is a characteristic of a great leader. - Nishant Kumar
