“People are insecure at times”- MS Dhoni talks earning respect as leader.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, renowned for his exceptional leadership and managerial skills, emphasized the importance of earning respect and loyalty from players through actions as the fundamental aspect of leadership. Addressing an event organized by Single.ID, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman underscored the significance of setting an example as a leader.

Ms Dhoni said “Loyalty has a lot to do with the respect factor. When you talk about the dressing room, unless the support staff or players respect you, it is difficult to get that loyalty. It is actually about what you are doing and not about what you are speaking. You may not actually speak anything but your conduct can earn that respect.”

“I always felt that earning respect (as a leader) is important as it does not come with the chair or rank. It comes with your conduct. People are insecure at times. Sometimes, even if the team believes in you, you are actually the first person who will not believe in you. To sum it up, don’t try to command respect but earn it, as it is very organic. Once you have that loyalty then the performance too will follow,” added the former captain.

During his tenure as captain, Dhoni led the Indian cricket team to extraordinary achievements, securing two World Cup victories and a Champions Trophy title, while also guiding the team to the top of the ICC Test rankings. Dhoni’s remarks shed light on the profound impact of his leadership approach, which cultivated a culture of excellence and camaraderie within the team. His insights underscored the notion that actions carry more weight than mere words in the realm of leadership, transcending across diverse domains.