Leadership Lessons from the life of M S Dhoni

Image credit – https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/what-ms-dhoni-said-after-2011-world-cup-win-sums-up-the-leader-he-is-3913544

Executive Summary

M S Dhoni is the epitome of composure. Keeping his mind uncluttered and calm is one of Dhoni’s greatest success mantras. He brought calmness to the team. Truly, his success lies in the conquest of his mind.

Every leader should emulate this ability to be calm under any circumstances. Coming from a small town and a humble background it is not easy to break in to big league in India. Dhoni was determined, devoted, dynamic and destined to become the leader that the world will remember him forever. He is humble and thinks clearly when the situation required.

He is an admirable leader, able follower, splendid batsman and a wicket keeper with sharp reflexes. He was astute in managing pressure situations and led the team admirably well. His stupendous efforts paid off when he won the T20 world cup and then went on to repeat Kapil Dev’s performance by winning the ODI World cup again in 2011. He always gave credit to his team. He had asked Rayudu, a team member to receive the IPL 2023 trophy. He has a learning mindset which every leader should learn. Under his leadership there is psychological safety in the team. Team members reciprocated the trust reposed on them.

MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev with trophies

Image credit – https://www.iwmbuzz.com/sports/snippets-sports/mahendra-singh-dhoni-vs-kapil-dev-best-world-cup-winning-captain/2020/02/14

Introduction

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be remembered as one of the greatest icons from sports. He is compassionate, inspires and motivates people and keeps calm under stress. Rarely do we come across a leader with a calm demeanor as M S Dhoni. 

Former Indian cricket captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has appreciated Dhoni’s calmness. He has credited Dhoni for changing the power dynamics in the team. Earlier there was a dominance of players from metros like Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi. But with the inclusion of Ranchi born Dhoni, it changed and gave hope to other players from non-metros and smaller towns.It was way back in 2004 when Dhoni made his debut against Bangladesh in a one-day international match. He did not do well. Later at Vishakhapatnam he scored a splendid 148 against Pakistan in an ODI. Then, there was no looking back for him as he gained in confidence after that stupendous performance. Zonal selector spotted Dhoni and selected him, which was a master stroke. Dhoni’s able leadership enabled India to win 50 over ODI world cup, T20 world cup and Champions trophy. Dhoni led inexperienced Indian side to a T20 world cup win.

A good leader is first an able follower. He learnt the virtues of leadership from Anil Kumble according to Krishnamachari Srikkanth

Dhoni’s Personal Qualities

Passion – He was aware of his passion and had chosen it as his profession. It brought both happiness and success.

Humility– Even after becoming successful the world over he is always humble. He had taken Thomas a Tea shop owner at Kharagpur railway station to a grand dinner. Thomas had traveled to Kolkata from Kharagpur to catch a glimpse of his now world-famous customer. He was visibly moved by Dhoni’s gesture and announced that he will rename his tea stall after Dhoni’s name. Dhoni always remembered his roots. He always took special care of the ground staff whenever he played. He is very generous and compassionate.

He managed success very well with a lot of maturity at a very young age. Leaders need levelheadedness and humility to manage success and fame at an early age.

Clarity and thinking decisively– That decision to choose cricket even though he had a Railways job and against parental pressure needs guts. It paid off very well eventually. It is said that fortune favors the brave. Thinking with clarity and decisively is rarest of rare ability

Chasing a dream– Coming from a small town and a humble background it is not easy to break in to big league in India. Dhoni was determined, devoted, dynamic and destined to become the leader that the world will remember him for ever

Versatile– He is versatile as he can play in all the formats of the game. He adapts very well to any situation and circumstances. Corporate world is full of challenges. A leader has to be versatile. He should be able to adapt to any situation with ease.

Mindset- Dhoni has a learning mindset which every leader should learn

Dhoni’s way of managing work pressure

Captain Cool – He was a confident and cool captain. This tag will stay with him forever. He was always calm undress stress. That allowed him to think clearly under difficult circumstances. He practiced mindfulness very well. His focus will be on the next ball he faces and neither past mistakes nor unknown future. That made him sharp in stumping and taking reflex catches even at this age. This skill to manage pressure, risk and uncertainty is a rare trait. Rarely do we come across a leader with a calm demeanor as Dhoni

Dhoni is the epitome of composure. Keeping his mind uncluttered is his one of Dhoni’s greatest success mantras. Emotions are contagious. That is admirable trait, which leaders should emulate. New players in the team will certainly learn from the leader to be calm. He is the role model. Ganguly brought aggressiveness to the team. MS Dhoni brought calmness to the cricket dressing room.

This composure enabled him to win T20 world cup, repeat Kapil Dev’s performance by winning ODI World cup and IPL as CSK captain.

Similarly, a calm CEO can bring calmness and composure to the entire board room and eventually to the company. Remember, culture is top down. New employees see you as an example and follow your deeds than your words. Dhoni has sometimes a monk like face in the cricket field, very calm and thinking face.

In the game of both cricket and life there are many situations where being calm is the best option. He was not calm in his childhood. Over the period of time, he has learnt managing the emotions, particularly emotions associated with defeat.

Truly, his success lies in the conquest of his mind. His focus is on factors under his control and not on uncontrollable factors. He has been praised and criticized. He has learnt to deal with them effectively. He has taken the rough with the smooth.

One should learn focus and managing emotions from Dhoni. Dhoni is a lesson for every corporate leader to manage stressful situations in life. Managing high stress with out losing composure is a key to career success and having a good health

Timothy Gallwey has written a book on the Game of Tennis and Game of Life. He explains that Tennis is not played in the field but in the mind. Managing emotions is the only path to success which Dhoni did effectively paving the way to becoming an effective leader. Similarly, cricket is played more in the mind especially IPL and T20

When it comes to managing pressure learn it from Dhoni. He was able to manage failure very well and bounce back to success. We should learn resilience from him. For Corporate leaders and managers, it’s prudent to learn this well, early the better

In one instance, during IPL 2023 a substitute fielder had misfielded. Dhoni asked the fielder to take a deep breath and breath out. He taught mindfulness technique instead of blaming the fielder. This was at the fag end of that IPL T20 game and in a pressure situation. Other leaders would have latched out at the fielder

Dhoni’s way of leading and managing people

Competent Leader– Dhoni had the rare capability to take the blame and give credit to his team when ever due. After winning the IPL 2023 edition, we have seen him stand behind his team for celebration. Dhoni had asked Rayudu to receive the IPL 2023 trophy. It speaks volumes of his greatness.

He walked the talk and earned the trust of not only players but fans as well. Dhoni always led from the front.

When he became captain there were many senior and star players in the team, like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag. He was able to inspire and bring out the best from each of them.

This competence made him an extraordinary leader

Thinking out of the box – He used to think differently, sometimes his thinking is unconventional. The last over handed over to Joginder Sharma in the T20 finals in 2007 was a masterstroke. His unique helicopter shot is skillfully executed.

Corporate leaders and managers should emulate Dhoni to be successful in this cut throat competitive world

He places immense faith and backs his people to deliver results. This enables them to express freely and perform with out fear of failure.

Under his leadership there is psychological safety in the team. It is essential ingredient for success. At the workplace team members reciprocate the trust reposed on them.

Dhoni’s way of managing change

As his style Dhoni never rushed through change aggressively. He first established credibility and then trust. Leaders must learn from Dhoni and do not take Bull in the China shop approach or elephant in an utensils shop approach to change.

He led an inexperienced side to a T20 world cup win. He enabled players to manage change well by effectively overcoming the challenges of the shorter format of the game. He effectively managed the transition to shorter and more challenging format of the game

The success mantra

Dhoni is the epitome of composure. Keeping his mind uncluttered and calm is one of Dhoni’s greatest success mantras. He brought calmness to the team.

Truly, his success lies in the conquest of his mind. Every leader should emulate this ability to be calm under any circumstances.

P = p – i

Here, P= Performance, p = Potential and i = Interference

Here, the interference is the negative self-talk in our mind. p is the potential, our abilities, inherent talent, our capabilities etc. P is the performance, outer success, outcome and result. The whole world looks for your performance. Result counts. It makes a big difference. No one remembers your potential. They remember your result. Ask any one in sports or any corporate professional.

The moment you reduce the negative self-talk and replace them with positive words, the interference is drastically reduced. This enables us to fulfil our potential. This increases our performance

Conclusion

Truly Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be remembered as one of the greatest leaders from sports. He knew how to be compassionate, to inspire and motivate his people and to keep calm under stress.

Rarely, do we come across a leader with a calm demeanor as Dhoni.   

Hat’s off to you Dhoni.

Photograph of MS Dhoni playing a shot in the T20 world cup (Photo credit- https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranisingh/2016/04/25/10-leadership-lessons-from-m-s-dhoni/?sh=3e34cba735a3)

References

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/sports-news-ms-dhoni-changed-power-dynamics-in-indian-cricket-krishnamachari-srikkanth/351052

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranisingh/2016/04/25/10-leadership-lessons-from-m-s-dhoni/?sh=124b67a235a3

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-meets-his-old-chaiwala-treats-him-to-grand-dinner-1665740

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/mahendra-singh-dhonis-leadership-style-offers-invaluable-lessons-for-managers/articleshow/20836042.cms

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/leadership-skills-which-we-can-acquire-from-ms-dhoni-divya-narayan

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/june-23-2013-ms-dhoni-leads-india-to-champions-trophy-glory-their-last-icc-title-2396762-2023-06-23

https://www.peoplematters.in/article/skilling/the-msd-effect-dhonis-leadership-skills-4300

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/what-ms-dhoni-said-after-2011-world-cup-win-sums-up-the-leader-he-is-3913544

7 Lessons from Dhoni

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranisingh/2016/04/25/10-leadership-lessons-from-m-s-dhoni/?sh=3e34cba735a3

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/june-23-2013-ms-dhoni-leads-india-to-champions-trophy-glory-their-last-icc-title-2396762-2023-06-23

https://www.peoplematters.in/article/skilling/the-msd-effect-dhonis-leadership-skills-4300

The transformation of consulting firms

The story of the transformation of consulting firms: From being consulting experts for hire to trusted advisors

The Consulting firms have undergone a profound evolution over time. Traditionally, they were hired by organizations to solve problems. They were seen as external experts brought in to solve specific problems the companies were facing, deliver reports, or provide technical knowledge.

Today, however, the most successful consulting firms are valued as trusted advisors — long‑term partners who help shape vision, strategy, and execution.

This transformation can be understood through four major shifts, the tectonic shifts.

1. From Delivering Reports to Co‑Creating Strategy

In the past, consultants were primarily engaged to solve problems by analysing data, benchmarking performance, and delivering recommendations in the form of reports or presentations. Their role often ended after the document was handed over. This “expert‑for‑hire” model positioned consultants as outsiders who provided expert knowledge but left implementation to the client.

Now, consulting firms get embedded themselves deeply into the client’s decision‑making process. Then they co‑create strategies alongside company’s executives, ensuring that recommendations are not only theoretically sound but also practical and aligned with organizational culture.

For example, instead of merely suggesting digital transformation initiatives, consultants work hand‑in‑hand with leadership teams to design roadmaps, pilot projects, and measure outcomes.

Now. This is a collaborative approach. This builds trust because clients see consultants as partners invested in their success, not just vendors delivering advice.

2. From Transactional Projects to Long‑Term Partnerships

Historically, consulting engagements or assignments were short‑term and purely transactional. A company might hire consultants to cut costs, restructure departments, or implement a new IT system. After the project was completed, their relationship ended.

Today, consulting firms cultivate enduring and long-lasting relationships. They position themselves as ongoing trusted advisors who understand the client’s evolving challenges and opportunities.

This shift is particularly evident in industries facing constant disruption, such as banking/ BFSI, healthcare, and technology. A consulting firm that initially helps a bank digitize its operations may later advise on regulatory compliance, cybersecurity and innovation strategy.

Thus, by staying engaged across multiple domains, consultants become part of the client’s leadership circle, trusted for their continuity and holistic perspective. Here they become trusted advisors and not merely experts

3. From Technical Expertise to Holistic Guidance

The consultants were once valued mainly for specialized technical knowledge for example in the domains of marketing, finance, operations, IT or logistics and supply chain management. Their role was to provide their expertise in a narrow domain.

How ever, today the consulting firms, offer holistic guidance that blends technical expertise with industry insights, leadership coaching, and cultural transformation. They recognize that solving business problems requires more than technical fixes; it demands alignment of people, processes, and vision.

For instance, a consulting firm advising a manufacturer on supply chain optimization may also guide leadership on sustainability practices, workforce engagement, and digital innovation. This broader perspective elevates consultants from technicians to strategic partners who help organizations thrive in complex environments.

4. Journey from solving problems to shaping their Vision

The final transformation is perhaps the most significant. Consultants used to be called in to solve immediate problems — reduce costs, improve efficiency or fix a failing project. Their role was reactive.

Now they have become proactive in their approach. Today, consulting firms help clients define and strategize their future vision. They act as thought partners, strategizing and shaping long‑term strategies and thereby enabling the organizations to anticipate the trends.

For example, a consulting company working with a government agency may not only address current infrastructure challenges but also design a 10‑year smart city roadmap. By guiding clients toward future possibilities, consultants earn trust as advisors who are not just solving today’s problems but also preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Conclusion

The phenomenal journey from “experts for hire” to “trusted advisors” reflects consulting firms’ ability to adapt to changing client expectations and business environments.

By co‑creating strategy, building long‑term partnerships, offering holistic guidance, and shaping vision, consulting firms have embedded themselves in the fabric of organizational leadership.

They are no longer outsiders delivering reports; they are insiders helping to chart the course of entire industries.

Unexpected delightful experience

Customer delight is becoming rare. Unexpectedly, as a customer I was delighted sometimes. Sharing three examples of the same

• Amazon

Amazon’s after sales service is amazing, as I have personally experienced. I had bought a Saregama mobile with preloaded old songs in 2022. To my dismay, the mobile did not switch on as it had no charge. I had charged it for a few hours but could not charge the mobile. All my efforts were in vain. Since I had paid for this mobile, I was convinced that I had lost my money. With out any expectation, I had called the customer service help desk. It seems they work 24×7. To my pleasant surprise they agreed to take it back and refund the cost of this mobile. Returns were super easy and the product was taken back and money was returned. No questions asked!

Amazing experience from Amazon

• Trichy Café, Erode

This incident happened way back in 2006. I often travel to conduct training programs at various cities and towns. For a person like me food in general and hygienic food in particular is paramount. If the food is tasty, it is like icing on the cake. I had an unusual experience at an eatery serving south Indian dishes. One evening after a training program I went to eat at this restaurant. The restaurant was jam packed and there were no seats. I had to wait for my turn. I had ordered Dosa and then Chapathys. Dosa was crisp and tasty. Chapathys were burnt and I was wondering whether to eat it or discard. I remembered my father was against discarding food as many still can’t afford two square meals daily. I decided not to complain. But this hotel was different. The supervisor was watching from a corner. He came and offered his apologies and quickly brought very good quality Chapathys. This was an experience, that I will remember for time to come

• Indian Railways

This incident happened in Feb 2025. This is a surprise to anyone who reads this post, as Indian Railways are known to be lousy. How ever they are improving. Hope they do! Still a lot more is desired from them.

In February last year, I was traveling from a town in Andhra Pradesh to a prominent city in Tamil Nadu. All the trains were running late from 20 to 24 hours. In anticipation of the impending trouble, I had booked a travel ticket in another train in First AC as an alternate option. Now, I had two travel tickets. I wanted to board a train that reaches first. I was certain, that I will lose the money for one travel ticket and I had accepted that loss. Booking in second train was beneficial in hindsight as this train came first at the railway station from where I was boarding.

This was an ordeal, I will remember. I had shared my plight with the TTE who had come to inspect my train ticket. He advised be to file a TDR in their app and I followed his advice immediately. With in two days, I got the entire amount as a refund from Indian Railways. I couldn’t believe the same, till I saw the credit in my bank account which was a pleasant surprise, enough to reduce the plight and pain of the horrible experience of the tedious journey that I had to endure for no fault of mine. I was delighted for receiving a refund with out any loss.

Moments of Truth in Customer Experience

Moments of truth refer to pivotal points in a customer’s journey where they form lasting impressions about a brand or product—moments that significantly influence their decisions and long-term loyalty. The decision is whether to continue using your product or service or not

Customers interact with brands in various ways: online through websites, face-to-face in physical locations, or over the phone. These interactions are critical. A moment of truth occurs when a customer engages with a brand, product, or service in a way that shapes their perception. These moments are essential in marketing and customer experience, often determining whether a customer continues their relationship with the brand or switches to a competitor.

Jan Carlzon, former CEO of SAS Airlines, popularized this concept in his book Moments of Truth. He recounts an incident where a customer arrived at the airport with a flight ticket but had forgotten his passport. The calm and composed customer service executive asked where it might have been left. The customer recalled possibly leaving it at the hotel. The executive promptly contacted the hotel, which confirmed the passport was at the reception. They arranged for someone to deliver it to the airport in time for the flight. The organisation spent money, time and effort to resolve the issue immediately. This thoughtful and efficient service impressed and delighted the customer and fostered brand loyalty. This story was narrated in Ambi Parameswaran’s book Sponge

To create positive moments of truth:

• Train employees effectively and regularly

• Learn to read the room

• Identify key touchpoints that can make a difference

• Listen actively—both to what is said and what isn’t

• Be agile and responsive

• Show empathy—it’s non-negotiable in business

Moments of truth are not just marketing jargon—they’re the heartbeat of customer experience.

Brands that recognize and optimize these moments build stronger relationships, earn trust, and create loyal advocates. It certainly fosters brand loyalty. It’s a win-win for all stakeholders.

These moments aren’t marketing fluff—they’re the foundation of lasting relationships. Brands that master them don’t just retain customers—they create fans.

Ron Kaufman says, create an experience for the customer.

Have you ever been delighted by exceptional service? Or faced hardships due to poor service? Please share your experience

A Taxi Ride and a lesson in Negotiation

Last week, my wife and I were traveling in a taxi when the driver began speeding aggressively. I asked him to slow down, but he refused—driving even faster, all while smiling.

The road was riddled with potholes, making the ride rough and uncomfortable. I wondered if he was a former Formula 1 driver who had recently switched careers. Or perhaps he was an Ajith fan—after all, actor Ajith is not only a celebrated star but also a reputed racing driver.

Despite my repeated requests, the driver remained unmoved. We were both holding firm to our positions. At that moment, I understood why the Blackbuck CEO had exited Bangalore—those potholes can be persuasive!

I then told the driver that I had suffered from back pain the previous year. Although I was fine now, I was worried the bumpy ride might trigger it again. Hearing this, he suddenly changed his behaviour and began driving slowly.

The rest of the ride was safe and surprisingly pleasant. We had an engaging conversation about CNG cars, petrol vs. diesel engines, and more.

When I asked him why he had been driving so fast, he immediately called someone to inform them of the delay. He explained that someone was waiting at his home, and he was eager to finish the ride and get back.

That’s when I recalled Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

This experience reminded me of a powerful lesson in negotiation: we often cling to our positions, leading to deadlock. But when we take the time to uncover the interests behind those positions—the “why” that drives behaviour—we create space for understanding and win-win outcomes

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