What does it take to be a great leader in today’s dynamic world? Drawing from his cricketing journey, Anil Kumble shared game-changing insights on leadership, coaching, and adapting to evolving challenges at Indeed FutureWorks Bengaluru 2023. Read more to unlock the secrets of leadership success!
Cricket is not just a game. It's a microcosm of life, where every ball holds endless possibilities, and every wicket teaches resilience. Indeed FutureWorks 2023 took this analogy to a whole new level when cricketing legend Anil Kumble graced the stage for a candid conversation with popularwithpopular social media content creator and stand-up comedienne, Aiyyo Shraddha. The session bowled the audience over, seamlessly blending sports and leadership wisdom. And as we gear up for Indeed FutureWorks 2024, it's time for a quick throwback to some of the most memorable takeaways that left everyone talking.
‘Cricket Was My Plan B’: Engineer Kumble’s Journey
When you think of Anil Kumble, you think wickets, records, and unflinching determination. But what you probably don't know is that cricket wasn't even his first choice. “Cricket was not an option even when I played. For me, engineering was what I had to do, cricket was Plan B,” Kumble said, adding that he’s back to engineering today with a tech startup. Their innovative offering is a bat sticker that tracks real-time data on speed and power, something that could revolutionize the game and for which he has already got a patent.
Changing careers and juggling passions is not a new thing for the legend. “Even as a coach, I encouraged players to pursue another skill or hobby. Cricket is stressful—constant performance, practice, and discipline. And often, your stress relief is just more cricket talk. You need an outlet. For me, it was photography,” he said.
Aligning Individual and Team Goals: The Cricketing Playbook
From breaking records to navigating World Cup heartbreaks, Kumble knows the highs and lows of a team sport. And while individual brilliance is always desirable, he reminded us that the team's goals always come first.
“In any team sport, individual goals have to align with team goals. Scoring a century or taking five wickets can’t be the main aim. If it happens, great. But it’s a byproduct of doing what’s best for the team,” he explained, a philosophy that is as applicable in the corporate world as it is on the cricket field. His experiences demonstrate that while personal goals are essential, long-term success comes from collective effort and shared purpose. “Ultimately, we all do what’s best for the team, and individual goals take care of themselves.”
Bouncing Back from Bad Form
When asked how he would motivate someone struggling with poor form, Kumble’s answer was simple, yet profound. “When things aren’t going well, it’s not the talent we should be evaluating, it’s the mindset,” he said. He shared a personal anecdote that perfectly captured his never-say-die attitude. During an Irani Trophy match, Kumble was experimenting with a new bowling style after a particularly dry spell. Despite an impressive first innings, things went south, and that’s when he realized he wasn’t playing to his strengths. With the team under pressure, he abandoned the new technique and went back to his original style. “I picked up 7 wickets. It was a reminder that sometimes you just have to be true to yourself. You can adapt when needed but don’t forget to stick to your strengths,” Kumble told the audience.
Adapting Leadership Styles to different audiences
Coming from a world where cricketing strategies evolve with each game, Kumble knows that leadership styles need to adapt just as quickly, especially when managing a multi-generational workforce. “Meetings were never an issue for us senior folks; we could sit through hours of them. But Gen Z? It’s all about quick interactions, mostly over WhatsApp,” he said with a smile. “They don’t want formal sit-downs; they prefer informal chats. It’s important to understand that as a leader.”
And just as communication change, so should approaches. “If a seasoned player hits a rough patch, you don’t need to over-explain. It's about reassurance and understanding—sometimes, it’s not even about cricket but personal issues they carry into the game. With younger players, you allow for mistakes, as long as they’re learning from new ones. Coaching isn’t about telling them how to score or take wickets; it’s about teaching the mechanics—how to play a cover drive, bowl spin, or outswing. The rest, they need to figure out. My role is to give them the right tools to make smart decisions in the heat of the moment," Kumble explained.
On Deck for Indeed FutureWorks 2024
As the cricketing legend pointed out, coaching, like leadership, is about empowering others with the right tools and guidance to thrive in the moment. Indeed FutureWorks 2023 made us realize that the worlds of cricket and business aren’t that different- with universal lessons on leadership, teamwork, and focusing on the bigger picture.
At Indeed FutureWorks Bengaluru 2024, we'll dive deeper into how evolving strategies and innovative thinking can shape the future of work. Keep your eye on the ball—this year’s event promises to be a game-changer!
