In India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a name synonymous with success. Time and again he has proved his mettle. From winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 to the 2011 ODI World Cup, Dhoni has demonstrated his leadership skills across formats. The recent IPL 2018 triumph has laid to rest any doubts about Captain Cool’s ability to deliver when it matters the most.
Inspired by his extraordinarily cool demeanor? You are not alone. Surely there are life lessons to be learned from MSD. Here, we bring you five such takeaways that can transform you into a leader who knows how to capitalize on every opportunity!
Doesn’t Matter Where You Came From, It Only Matters
Where You Are Going
Before establishing himself as one of the most successful captains the Indian cricket team has ever had, MSD was a small-town boy from Ranchi. At a time when the Indian cricket team was dominated by city-bred swashbuckling youngsters, he not only fought his way to the top but also took the team to newer heights and set new benchmarks for performance. Do not be afraid to aim high, not everyone is talented, but great talent can come from anywhere.
Stick To The Fight When You Are Hardest Hit
If you have followed MSD’s journey, you know that it has been punctuated with hardships. From missing his first opportunity to play the Duleep Trophy in 2001 to losing his first Ranji Trophy, he faced several challenges. However, irrespective of the hardships and disappointments, Dhoni was persistent in his performance. You too must stay confident even in the face of adversities.
Have Faith In Your Faith and Doubt In Your Doubts
Dhoni is well known for his unconventional ways – be it replacing Yuvraj Singh with himself against Muttiah Muralitharan’s spin attack in 2011 World Cup Finals or picking Joginder Sharma to bowl the final overs in the 2007 T20 World Cup. In hindsight, we know that these hunches were, in fact, calculated risks, based on insights and knowledge about the opponent’s game plan, his strengths, and the situation.
As a financial planner, you too need to do your homework. But nothing matters more than understanding the pulse of your client. Presence of mind and an ability to take educated risks can be your key differentiator.
If Everything Changes, Change Everything
Being flexible to change is critical. As a skipper. MSD is always ready to support his team based on the needs. Be it in the form of a wicketkeeper, a middle-order batsman or even an opener. While Dhoni mostly bats at No. 6, he is also comfortable at No. 7 or 4 or even at 5, depending on the match situation!
Similarly, you too must adapt to changes in the business. Be it the emergence of digital mediums, new forms, the millennial customer, re-categorization of funds or introduction of new taxes, staying flexible will help you overcome all possible disruptions and make the best of any given situation.
Be A Leader Without A Title
MSD stepped down from ODI and T20 captaincy when he felt that Virat Kohli was more capable of leading the team. This was a beautiful example of his selflessness. He continues to offer his insights and guidance to the team. He is a leader by action. He does not need formal titles.
As an adviser, you too must consider the investor’s interest as your priority. Be it the choice of a fund, timely advice, or a detailed goal-based financial plan. Your learned inputs and selfless actions will help you develop a relationship of trust and respect.