Leadership Skills which we can acquire from M.S Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the only captain in the world to have tasted success in all formats of the game! The manner in which he has gone about transforming the Indian cricket team into the best in the world offers valuable lessons in management and leadership.

His leadership style offers invaluable lessons to managers and leadership team at all levels across industries. His calm mind is the most dangerous and his ability to stay cool when the heat is on allows him to make the uncanny calls that others find hard to fathom!

 -        Uninhibited Style: Hailing from a humble background, Dhoni never let this aspect hinder his style or behaviour. Infact, he managed to channelize this raw rustic energy to his on-field performance. He was never shy of expressing himself in any given situation. In a competitive corporate world, one is often judged by one’s past or stereotyped and it is important to maintain a positive ego at all times

-        Managing Ego’s: In a hierarchized environment, Dhoni was catapulted to captaincy ahead of several established players in a team laden with stars and former captains. He took his time and didn't interfere in their proven methods and managed to extract the best out of these stars at most times without ruffling feathers. Many young managers who inherit legacy organisations face this challenge at the workplace. You need to learn to handle every situation calmly and with maturity.

-        Change Management: Dhoni did not rush through with change in personnel and team culture. He first established credibility and over time dealt with these issues and managed the transition through the process of natural attrition and performance management. Similarly, when the leadership team at various corporates are confronted with change management issues at the workplace, they will do well if they do not handle it head on but instead take inspiration from Dhoni’s style of change management

-        Managing Success: He dealt with his early success with a lot of maturity with his feet firmly on the ground, which eventually led to his elevation. It requires a great degree of level headedness and humility to handle fame and money at an early age. In a corporate context, early success need not lead to brash behaviour towards colleagues and customers. There have been instances where young managers, who see success early lose their balance and face early career burnouts.

-        Versatile: Dhoni is hands on, is versatile and can adapt to any situation. He plays all three formats of the game, can bat in any position, keep wickets and roll his arm if required. Versatility and adaptability is the key for long-term success in the corporate world.

-        Managing Pressure: His ability to stay calm and keep his cool with a seemingly uncluttered mind is Dhoni’s greatest gift as a leader. This ensures that the rest of the team stays focussed and continue to believe in themselves. He is lesson for all leaders in terms of their ability to manage extremely stressful work environments. Managing periods of high stress without losing your composure is the key to long-term success and good health.

-        Focus: Dhoni has immense ability to insulate himself from the surrounding environment and continue to focus on the job. It is vital for managers to stay positive and focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions and negative energies in play at the workplace.

-        Trust: He places immense trust on his people and backs them to deliver, this allows them to express themselves freely without the fear of failure. At the workplace, team members reciprocate and feel a sense of responsibility based on the trust shown by their leaders in them.

-        Managing Failure: After the heady success of the World Cup 2011, it was just downhill for Dhoni and his team. After a string of embarrassing losses, it required great character and attitude to bounce back. He did this and in style by answering all his critics with the sheer weight of his performance! Even at workplace, failure has to be dealt with the same fashion as success and one has to continue to be focussed on the job at hand.

-        Respecting Rivals: By his mere presence, calmness and body language Dhoni invokes great respect and fear in the opposition camp. In a work environment, it takes a great deal to be respected by competition who would be itching to have you on the other side of the fence. This comes through sheer performance and acknowledgement from your internal and external stakeholders.

I am a fan of M.S Dhoni and his leadership style and am most impressed by the fact that he left the captaincy on his own terms! His legacy and aura is best captured by the imprint he left on his opponents. I believe we all need to be a leader like him who never showed his emotions, avoided ovations and didn’t blow his trumpet but always walked away with a smile!