Welcome to this week's edition of "Performing Under Pressure"!
Earlier this month, over 2 billion people worldwide tuned into their streaming devices to witness the spectacular launch of the ICC World Cup cricket series. This sports extravaganza, spanning 50 days, will conclude with one of the 10 countries emerging as the title holders for the next 4 years. There's no place on earth quite like this, where teams perform under immense pressure. Let's delve into how some teams fared.?
- In the match between archrivals India and Pakistan, both teams faced heightened pressure due to fans' expectations and intense emotions. The Pakistan team had a strong start, scoring well in the first 30 overs with a decent run rate, losing only 3 wickets. However, in the next 10 overs, they succumbed under pressure, adding minimal runs before losing all 10 wickets – Crumbled Under Pressure.
- In the match against Bangladesh, India secured a win, but not without facing significant pressure. Bangladesh started strong, scoring almost 100 runs in the first 15 overs without losing a wicket. Indian bowlers and fielders rallied, putting pressure back on Bangladesh by taking a wicket every few overs. Despite the pressure, Bangladesh managed to put up a fighting score – Endure Under Pressure.
- Against Australia, Indian bowlers performed admirably, restricting Australia's score to just below 200 – a comfortably achievable target. However, Indian batsmen faced early setbacks with 3 duck outs in the first 2 overs. Despite this, the next 3 batsmen showcased exceptional resilience under pressure, leading India to a triumphant start in the series – Excel Under Pressure.?
Speaking of performing under pressure, those of us in the health insurance sector are also facing considerable pressure. Approximately 65 million Americans recently embarked on a crucial event in their lives – choosing their Medicare health coverage options for the next year. This process, like the cricket series, spans over 50 days (54 to be precise). During this period, every facet of our system will be under immense stress. How we respond – whether we crumble, endure, or excel – is up to each of us.
- When our systems experience 3X or 4X the usual traffic, despite meticulous planning, additional stress often leads to issues. Given the sensitivity of the situation, a prompt and urgent response is expected. While emotions may run high, our ability to handle this pressure is within our control – Crumble, Endure, or Excel.
- When a situation gets escalated, it often takes more than one team or one department to come together to address the situation in a large enterprise ecosystem. There could be tensions between teams in owning and solving the issues. How you respond to these tensions is entirely up to you – Crumble, Endure, or Excel.?
- When there is so much noise around you, it becomes extremely difficult to focus. Even the simplest tasks become very difficult to execute. It’s easy to blame the noise and give up. Trust your instincts, training, and all the hard work that went into this point to gather yourself, to cut through the noise. It’s a choice you make – Crumble, Endure, or Excel.?
?Finally, remember that it’s not about you or us, but it’s about ensuring the millions of health seekers will have the best and greatest experience with our products, digital or otherwise. This is the time when your investment of time and effort in building a great product will come to fruition. So, let’s not only endure the pressure but strive to Excel.?
I invite you to share your most stressful moment during this period and the ways in which you excelled.?
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay blessed. Thank you and have a great weekend.
