My Take-away from this World Cup Victory

I don’t understand the technicalities of Cricket beyond what is required to enjoy the game. However, I could sense Indian team’s victory in the finals right in the early stages of their batting. It is not due to my ability to analyze the game, but due to what I could see in the way the players carried themselves in the field. I could see this written all over them: “we are here to win this world cup. We refuse to be bowled out tonight.”  I’m sure, they would have chased even a 350 that night!

Analysts have observed that India and Sri Lanka were evenly placed, in skills. But, skills have no value unless each player plays to his potential. This would happen only when one is in his highest spirit. Every player in the Indian team was in his highest spirit.

In my observation, there were three key qualities that lifted their spirit and helped them to perform the way they did. And this was my take-away from this great victory.

1.      Mental Make-up

The team displayed the extremely-hard-to-acquire ability to remain cool and focused under pressure. The calmness of mind brought out the best of their judgmental abilities. This helped them avoid playing wrong shots and preserve their wickets.

2.      Sense of Responsibility

Each player had a responsibility to fulfill. No matter what his playing style was or what he was comfortable doing, there was a responsibility to fulfill in the given situation. The ability to adapt to the situation and fulfill the responsibility kept the scoreboard ticking and the “required run rate” under control.

3.      Team Cohesiveness

This, perhaps, is the single most important factor in realizing one’s potential while playing in a team. The players were egoless, supported one another well and showed respect to the teammates irrespective of seniority and position. They all had only one goal to achieve and equal roles to play. This helped them to keep their mind uncluttered and stay focused on the job.

Applying this Take-away in Our Professions

These qualities are applicable to any profession where people work as a team. They would raise the spirit of the people and help them perform to their potential. While the first two qualities can be developed at individual level, “Team Cohesiveness” needs to be facilitated by the team leaders and organizations through their work culture and value systems. And this is what the Indian team’s captain and the management should be credited for!

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