The flick, the scoop and 5 days of wait

As a kid I started watching cricket from 1985 onwards. Those were the days when a test match used be for 5 days with a rest day in between and one day match used to be 60 overs. No sign of 20-20!!!!. The match used to be sluggish, slow, most of the test matched ended in a draw and in a one day match a team used to struggle to reach a score of 250 runs. Travelling in time and I see today's cricket, a test match has Bazball approach, in a one-day match 400+ runs are scored by each side and in 20-20 match (IPL) teams are scoring 250+ runs in 20 overs.

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I keep wondering what has changed, it’s the same ball, same bat and same pitch !!!! Let's dwell into few aspects and see that whether its relevant for the corporate world…..

Approach, Mindset and constraints and grit :

A 20-20 match comes with multiple restrictions and constraints. Limited time, limited overs and no time to settle down. Still a player is able to achieve remarkable results. Constraints, condition our mind to focus and reduces the number of options to monomaniacally concentrate on the goal. In corporate world also, we face a time when we work in "task force mode", in this short span of time, amazing results are achieved, teams which were disconnected come together and crack complex issues. Does it mean constraints help, task force mode is better way of working ?

?Well, the fruit lies in defining and chasing the target considering the constraints and conditioning the mind to achieve the result.

?Risk appetite :

During the olden days most of the players approached the game in safe way. The team was happy with a test match draw and didn’t push for a result. We did have dashing players like Sir Vivian Richards and Krishamachari Srikanth who demonstrated very high-risk appetite though. Considering today's players, they come with very high amount of risk appetite built in. There is no second thought before they go out and try to hit a six of the very first ball.? Its worth to analyze the reason for the approach !!!!! Its the desire to achieve the results, demonstrate their capability and absolute absence of fear of failure. Todays players express themselves to increase the chance to prove their capability and drastically increase the possibility of the win for their team. Its quite relevant in the current VUCA world of business as well. The established players are challenged by new entrants and young talent is itching to take challenging assignments.

?End of the day it’s the risk appetite which makes the difference.

?Team dynamics :

Just few weeks back India played against Australia in a heated test match series. Chin music (bouncers), sledges (*@#f*#@*) and red eyed stares !!!! Today in a 20-20 IPL match the same players come together and sweat it out to win a match for their franchise. It’s a fantastic demonstration of use of individual strengths, focus on results and be a team player.

?Well something similar is brewing in current business world also. The companies who were competitors are now working on a same project. A company who was building everything from the scratch, is now looking at buy or build strategy and partnering with global suppliers. It's time to take the lead, rely on individual strengths and crack the puzzle. IPL teams show a way….

?Adaptations to achieve results :

The reverse sweep, the "pallu" shot, the scoop shot oh !!! The batter is totally un-predictable. The knuckle ball, wide yorker and slow ball from back of the hand, oh !!!! The bowler is highly unpredictable. The adaptations, modifications and innovations have crossed the limits. Considering the old days, this would have been a sin to play cricket like this.

?Wondering why one has to do this ! To achieve the results. Being flexible, innovative, and out of the box approach has produced some stars who pulled out a result which everyone thought as impossible. Looking at business dynamics it’s a dire need to be flexible, adapt to the changes and learn/unlearn with time.

Only change is constant

Customer :

Whether it's the last ball of a T20 thriller or a grinding five-day test match, customers pay to watch cricket. Over time, customer preferences have evolved; they seek excitement and results. Similarly, in the business world, customer demands are changing, demands are complex and result is needed in short period of time to beat the competition. Solution providers must engage in dialogue with customers and embrace co-creation to meet evolving needs.

In conclusion, cricket's evolution offers valuable lessons for the corporate world. Embracing constraints, fostering a high-risk appetite, prioritizing teamwork, adapting to change, and meeting customer demands are essential for success in both arenas. Just as cricket has evolved, so businesses too are required to thrive in today's dynamic environment.

So lets flick it, scoop it and be on the toes !!!!!