Building Winning Teams – On The Field Or In Corporates

India's remarkable win in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 serves as a great example of strategic planning, determination, and mindful leadership that can be emulated in the corporate arena

The tactics and teamwork shown by cricket teams during such high-stakes tournaments can inspire corporate leaders to reach new heights of success and excellence in their professional journey. Image Pexels

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By Hariharan Subramanian

In the fast-paced and competitive business world, corporate leaders are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the game and drive innovation within their organizations. One often overlooked source of inspiration for these leaders can be found in the world of sports, particularly during the T20 World Cup.

The tactics and teamwork shown by cricket teams during such high-stakes tournaments can inspire corporate leaders to reach new heights of success and excellence in their professional journey. India's remarkable win in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 serves as a great example of strategic planning, determination, and mindful leadership that can be emulated in the corporate arena.

1. Innovation- Innovative thinking is a key driver of success in both sports and business. Cricket teams are constantly exploring new strategies, techniques, and technologies to gain a competitive edge over their rivals. Corporate leaders can draw inspiration from the culture of innovation that permeates the T20 and encourage the teams to think outside the box and embrace disruptive ideas.

For instance, Virat Kohli's iconic six against Pakistan in 2022 is the FanCraze Greatest Moment of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. This unpredictable and memorable shot exemplifies the innovation in the world of cricket.

2. Agility and Adaptive Decision-Making- In both sports and business, the ability to make quick decisions and adapt to changing circumstances is essential for success. Throughout the entire term of the World Cup, the cricket teams constantly adjust their game plans in response to the actions of their opponents, and corporate leaders can emulate this agility by being open to change and willing to pivot when necessary.

Jasprit Bumrah’s spell against Pakistan in the current T20 World Cup, taking 3 crucial wickets for just 14 runs is an excellent example. With his adaptive decision-making and quick thinking, he effectively guided the Indian team to a famous win over Pakistan in a low-scoring thriller.

3. Data-driven decisions- In the modern world of sports and business, data is king. The cricket teams use advanced analytics and data-driven insights to gain a competitive advantage. Right from mega player auctions, match tosses, picking up players for a particular match based on the opponents/pitch/venue to grooming players for a particular role in the team, data drives it all.

Corporate leaders can follow suit by leveraging data to make informed decisions that drive their organizations forward.

4. Succession planning- Just as T20 cricket teams groom young talent to ensure a strong future, corporate leaders should practice the same to make next-generation leaders within their respective organizations.  
   
   For instance, India's cricket team showcased effective succession planning when MS Dhoni retired from international T20 cricket. Virat Kohli was groomed as his successor, gaining experience in leadership roles as part of the team.
   
   While the announcement of Rohit and Virat about their career in T20 came as a shocker to all of us, it was heartening to see that India has developed a solid bench strength and horned talent to be ready to shoulder the responsibilities.
   
   Similarly, investing in the development and nurturing of talent within the organizations will go a long way in creating future leaders that can ensure continuity and longevity.

5. Believe in yourself - Confidence and self-belief are crucial qualities for success in any endeavor. The cricket players exude confidence on the field, trusting in their abilities and remaining focused on their goals. Corporate leaders can learn from this mindset by believing in themselves and instilling confidence in their teams.

I can’t think of a better example than Rishabh Pant. Coming out of the jaws of death after the massive car accident and suffering multiple severe injuries, his comeback is nothing short of a fairytale. His return to professional cricket after intense recovery and rehabilitation for over a year only shows his deep-rooted self-belief. He played a crucial role in India’s unbeaten win in the T20 World Cup.

6. Stick to the basics- While innovation is important, it is also crucial to stick to the basics and build a strong foundation for success. In the T20, teams focus on mastering the fundamentals of the game before experimenting with more advanced tactics. Corporate leaders can apply this principle by ensuring that their teams have a solid understanding of the core principles and values that drive their organization.

While players like AB de Villiers have taken the limited format cricket to a different level through their unconventional way of batting, classical batters like Sachin Tendulkar or Ajinkya Rahane have played match-winning knocks for their teams, sticking to the basics of stroke play. Their picture-perfect bookish cricketing shots have been a pleasure to watch and an example of having the basics right. 

7. Resilience and Perseverance- The cricket teams, despite facing setbacks like injuries and losses, demonstrate resilience and perseverance, a lesson corporate leaders can learn from.

The way Jasprit Bumrah has evolved over the years with his penetrating Yorkers and the amazing economy rate is a live testimony of resilience and perseverance.  

8. Building a strong brand identity- The cricketing teams strive to establish a strong brand identity through logos, uniform colors, social media presence, merchandise, sponsorships, community engagement, and communication. Consistent information flow is crucial for maintaining a strong identity, as seen with Indian cricket fans during any match. There is unwavering fan loyalty, even at times when the team hasn’t been able to win the match.

Corporate leaders can take a page from their playbook by focusing on creating a distinctive brand that sets their organization apart from the competition. Purpose-driven organizations will always stay ahead of the curve.

9. Consistency- Consistency is key to achieving sustained success in both sports and business.

Virat Kohli tops the T20 World Cup records with 1141 runs in 25 innings across five editions, averaging 81.5 with a strike rate of 131.3. His 14 fifties in the tournament highlight his exceptional consistency. Such performances play a key role in enhancing overall team performance.

In conclusion, the world of T20 cricket offers a treasure trove of inspiration for corporate leaders looking to sharpen their leadership skills and drive success within their organizations. By embracing the principles of teamwork, resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning, leaders can create a work environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and ultimately, high performance.

Let's take a cue from the T20 World Cup and bring a winning spirit to our businesses.

The author is the managing director at Siemens Healthcare Private Limited.

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