Commanding Respect without the Noise
Unveiling the Secret Sauce Behind the Success of a Relaxed Leader
Once upon a time many of us strolled across Facebook quite often. Now if you don’t want to be seen as old and clueless, then Insta should be your space. (Yes, that too is old but the target age group that reads this will be nodding in agreement.) Anyway, most of my cricket posts (of which there were plenty) would carry #kohli<3.
Virat Kohli is a personality you can get behind. Either to love his work ethic, his style, his focus or to poke holes in his aggression and fiery charisma. The point is you will pick a side. With Rohit Sharma, I struggled. I cribbed that he has no personality, I wanted his runs but found his presence unexciting. He looked disinterested. This was during his early days as a player. Then came Rohit Sharma the Captain.
Quiet Strength
Heading into the role after two powerful personalities, with his cool demeanor and seemingly laid-back attitude, he did not strike one as the stereotypical spirited sports leader. Yet, beneath this calm exterior lies a captain with a record that speaks volumes of his leadership acumen.
It’s fascinating, isn’t it? How someone who at first glance seems as exciting as watching paint dry, turns out to be a powerhouse of strategy and team dynamics. So, what’s the secret sauce? How does Rohit, the ‘Mumbai Indians’ maestro and India's cricket captain, whip up such magic in the locker room?
Turns out, Rohit’s charm and success as a leader might just lie in his relaxed and approachable demeanor. Contrary to the high-octane, aggressive leadership style that we often idolize, Rohit’s strategy is more akin to a friendly game of backyard cricket—less about shouting orders, more about nurturing camaraderie. He’s the guy who’ll probably say, "Let's hit some sixes, but first, let's grab a samosa." He plays pranks incessantly, he leans back and smiles a lot, he acts like the high-pressure chants from 1.4 billion fans is nothing to worry about. He was Ted Lasso at a press conference before Ted Lasso. His teammates often speak of the comfort and freedom they feel under his leadership, which seems to boost their performance manifold. It’s the kind of leadership that reminds us that sometimes, to charge ahead, you might just need to take a step back and let the team breathe.
It’s clear that the magic isn’t just in the strategies laid out in team meetings. It's also in the laughs shared over post-match dinners, the pats on the back after a missed catch, and the belief instilled in each player that tomorrow could be the day they hit their winning run.
Leadership isn’t always about being the loudest in the room; sometimes, it’s about being the calm in the storm. A little fun and a lot of faith in our teams can go a long way. After all, a relaxed leader can often be the most relatable—and effective—one.
Relaxed Leadership: Seeing Authenticity
There is perhaps one killer advantage that a relaxed leader has. They get to see their teams in their authentic avatars. In the last couple of weeks, my conversations with some young people leaders veered around their struggles to get people to behave in a certain way (show great ownership or drive faster outcomes) or see the leader in a certain light (a leader with a high bar on results or a leader who values new thinking). Yet, when we talk about who they are in front of their teams and how well they really knew their team members, the conversation often dipped into an awkward silence.
In environments where leaders maintain a high-pressure, all-business demeanor, team members often feel compelled to wear professional masks, stifling their true selves and, by extension, their most creative and innovative ideas. It’s like everyone is part of a very polite, very tense masquerade ball where everyone is guessing which mask will impress the host the most. They operate on a mode of caution, always alert to align their actions and responses to what they perceive as leadership's expectations, often at the cost of genuine interaction and spontaneous creativity.
On the other hand, a relaxed leader fosters an atmosphere of openness and authenticity. This isn't just about making work a little less stuffy; it paves the way for a torrent of fresh ideas, honest feedback, and genuine collaboration. When people are comfortable, they're not just filling seats—they're eagerly contributing, sometimes in the most unexpectedly brilliant ways. So, despite all the media angles, a Hardik Pandya could forget the stadium boos and still be himself and know that his Captain backs him in the most crucial moments. Others on the field also know what their Captain wants, and that they will face his angry glares when they don’t stick to the plan. But he does it for the team and he’s got their back.
Moreover, when leaders see their team members as they really are, not just as corporate drones, they can tailor their approach much more effectively. It's like being a savvy coach who knows exactly how to motivate each player, whether it’s with a quiet word or a public shout-out. This insight is invaluable for leaders when assigning roles, tailoring motivational strategies, or providing developmental feedback. It transforms leadership from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more tailored, insightful practice, where actions are based on deep understanding rather than surface-level observations.
And let's not forget, when team members aren’t exhausting themselves maintaining a facade, they can channel that energy into being more productive and innovative. It’s the difference between a team that mechanically ticks boxes and one that actually vibrates with energy and new ideas. So really, adopting a laid-back leadership style isn’t just about keeping the office mood light; it’s a strategic move that can catalyze profound insights, stronger team cohesion, and yes, even those much-coveted superior results.
The individuality of team members shining through and then coming together to create group magic - that’s the value of a true leader.
So, if you find yourself at the helm, remember: sometimes, the best way to steer is with a lighter touch. Let your team shine in their true colors, and watch as they transform challenges into opportunities, bringing not just their skills but their whole selves to the table. After all, a team that can laugh together is one that can work wonders together. As we move forward, let's not just chase results but cultivate environments where creativity and joy are part of the daily workflow. After all, isn't that a place where we'd all love to work?
p.s. Thank you, Rohit Sharma. Ee saala cup namdhe. Finally.