One of the best ways to understand leadership is by observing sports personalities across the globe. With high agility, managing pressure on ground and quick decision-making skills, they are truly a mentor and inspiration for millions. I have grown up watching cricket all these years and experience an adrenaline rush each time I watch the Indian team play against the opponent team with utmost dignity.
It’s indeed true, passion and utter consistency to achieve success in life has no boundaries when determined to reach the sky. One of the most successful captains of the Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni with his ‘Mahi’vellous performance, has made team India achieve milestones and aspire for the impossible. A small town boy with a vision and dream to play for the Indian team has touched the hearts of millions across the globe with his leadership skills and consistent performance. Not to forget that he is the only captain to have won all the ICC tournaments (International Cricket Council) across countries.
Love him or hate him, one can’t ignore this conventional player. With Chennai Super Kings presence in 2018’s IPL, the happiness quotient of Dhoni’s fans had escalated to another level. He’s the only captain in the Indian Premier League to have bagged the trophy thrice. One of the major reasons behind having a diverse team and young talent from B tier cities goes to this cricketer. The monopoly of selecting renowned names in the Indian team was transformed since the time Dhoni took over the captaincy for Team India. A lot has been predicted about his retirement from cricket. While this is bound to happen someday, his mark will remain engraved in the history of Indian cricket.
Here’s a list of leadership qualities we can acquire from him:
1. Trusting Your Team
One of the most important qualities of a true leader is to back your team with immense trust. Trusting your team and extending the autonomy to make decisions imbibes a sense of respect in your team. Dhoni is a manifestation for displaying trust in his team at every single step leading to some remarkable victories, the most iconic one being World Cup T20 in 2007. His faith in Jogendra Sharma and quick guidance led to a better team performance, adding immense value to the victory, which made all the difference.
2. Managing Pressure
There are days when you feel bombarded with work. Preparing a to do list and prioritizing work are the next steps which every working professional opts for. Managing pressure while maintaining temperament is mandatory. Dhoni is known for his positive and cool attitude on field. As a leader, it’s essential to understand Emotional Intelligence, the ability to drive control and understand one's own emotions, with that of others. Managing stressful situations with a tremendous control over composure works wonders as empathy gives an edge to leaders.
3. Foresight Vision
A great manager will ensure that the team works for them while a great leader will align the entire team towards a common goal for a bigger and better picture. A leader is the captain sailing the ship with a long-term vision and mission. Dhoni possesses the skills, which made him take few harsh decisions for the team's betterment. Every leader undergoes such a decision making process and most of the times, it works on their prerogative.
4. Managing Success:
While few leaders get carried away mid-way by facing quick success, it’s essential to not drift away from attaining the desired goals as a team leader. It requires a lot of maturity to be able to deal with success and stay grounded. Dhoni has time and again proved this with his humble and simplistic way of living life.
5. Sharing Team Credits
Sharing credits over attainment of targets, goals or victory along with an effective communication are some of the most important characteristics of a true leader. As a leader, Dhoni has always appreciated his team members for their efforts during an interview or post match presentations.
6. Leading With Example:
A leader is the one who shows the way, understands the way and goes the way. Often, Dhoni has been witnessed taking the lead front for the team. Known for his famous helicopter shots and awestruck match finishing skills, he has set benchmarks to lead a team effectively when required. One of the best examples would be him playing in the World Cup final in 2011 and winning the game with flying colours, setting new aspirations.
Thank You Mahi for not being the centre of attraction each time India won a match.
Thank You for aspiring much young talent and motivating them to believe that Nothing is Impossible.
Thank You for making me stay glued to the TV screen each time you are on field and the hope to finish the match with your signature helicopter shot.
But most importantly, Thank You for taking the risk of giving yourself another chance and pursuing what your heart craved for, because at the end all that matters is passion in what you chase.
Thank You Captain Cool, with Love!
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