By Sanjay Tripathy
EVP - Head Marketing and Direct Channels, HDFC Life
As we are in the middle of the IPL season, I think sharing the lessons learnt from cricketers that have inspired me as a professional would be an apt read. When Rajasthan Royals (RR) is going through tough times, I’m often asked this question, “Why RR?!” While I elaborate the brand connect and association privileges; there’s more to it than what meets the eye and some of it is what this particular player portrays – leader, role model, self-belief icon, team player and strategist... attributes often linked to marketers.
Leadership I’ve always admired Shane Warne’s style of leadership – steering his team to see the bigger picture and keep the momentum. As a leader he has capitalised on the strength of his teammates, motivated them and more importantly brought them together as a unit.
Instead of relying completely on seasoned players, he has identified young talent and motivated them to perform. He knows every player inside out, their strengths, their roles; he shares a special equation with all his teammates and has a name for each one of them!
He ensures that every member of the squad knows his role and also spends one-on-one time with the youngsters in the team to ensure they are not overwhelmed by any situation.
Perseverance
Shane is designed to win! He uses the power of his personality, his understanding of human nature and what it takes to get the slightest of advantages and convert that into a win. He’s always motivated and focused, not bothered with controversies – personal or professional.
Plan to perfection
A major part of the credit for RR’s on-field performance must go to Shane, who inspires the team mates to believe in themselves, maintain the intensity and not give up till the last minute. Miraculous it may seem, but under his leadership the team beats much fancied sides on a regular basis.
What people fail to notice is his meticulous planning and plotting for every player of the opposition for every match! A true gladiator, he reminds me of plotting like a general well versed with Sun Tzu’s ‘Art of War’ to take on larger armies through unconventional style which surprises the opposition.
Warne’s aggressive style of play, tactical prowess and player management are truly inspiring! He will always be remembered as someone who has nurtured young Indian talent and created champions like Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan from a pool of unknown domestic players. A great leader, as Shane Warne remarkably exhibits, is not someone superior to anyone. Rather a great leader is someone who helps the team understand their abilities, instils a passion to win, and cheers up the team even in the worst situations.
