Risk Averse Leader - Mr Dravid

I have few role models in life and Dravid is one of them. If you look back in his career, you will probably realize the fact that wherever he is today, it’s because of his hard work and determination. That’s something which I have learnt from him. But unfortunately I could never appreciate his leadership style. I will also go one step ahead and argue that Ganguly was a better leader than him. If I analyze the last test match between India and England in the recently concluded series, that will give some clues to some of the missing pieces (according to me) to his leadership style.

India got 300 odd run lead when England were all-out in the first innings. Instead of forcing follow-on, Dravid decided that India should bat. Reason – It’s difficult to chase in 4^th innings and Dravid didn’t want to take any chances. Also we were already ahead in the series with 1-0 lead and for him 1-0 is no different from 2-0 series win. So he decided a less-risky path. If he would have enforced the follow on, at worst case India would have to chase some 100 odd run to win the series. Unfortunately he showed his lack of confidence on the team. First thing – a leader mustn’t hold such low confidence on the team, that actually brings down the morale of the team altogether. Second, he shouldn’t have sighted physical tiredness as reason for opting out from the follow-on decision. That’s like showing an unhealthy approach to game of cricket. Bowlers were on their top of mental energy after bowling opposition out for such a small total (in compared to India). So I am sure they were not mentally tired. That flow would have helped them to take wickets in quick succession and continue the pressure on England. But Dravid had some different intention. He probably couldn’t visualize the mental enthusiasm in the team, instead he chose a risk-averse route.

Probably the worst part is - A leader mustn’t get into the complacency of “Whatever I have is good, I don’t need more”. That sets up a bad example for the team.

Are you a Visionary?

Often entrepreneurs are known for their visions. NRN, Premzi, Mukesh Ambani are to name a few of those visionaries in current arena. I asked myself 2 questions – 1. How different are visionaries from others, 2. What do somebody need to do to become a visionary in life?

Visionaries are the people who could see future. They probably have the best intuitive power. They tell you – what the industry may look like in 5 or 10 or 20 years down the line. I was thinking how people could make such judgments. I guess the essence lies in 3 things.

First, understand the pulse of current state of the industry. Second, understand the evolution of your industry [peep through the past] and forces behind such a change. Eg, if we look at software development in 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s we will get a lot of data points. Understand how and why changes took place between those decades. Third, understand the critical success factors for the future of the industry and the important change agents.

I believe based on these analysis, we will be able to make a good judgement about the future. There could be a different perspective altogether. You are welcome to throw your ideas.

Pizza Corner - An Experience

I went to Pizza Corner today, all alone in Gurgaon. Surprisingly in the outlet, there weren’t many customers. The well-dressed waiter gave me the Pizza Menu. I was just too hungry. Quickly ordered something to ensure my stomach gets some fuel to work further. In the meantime I was going through the Menu to find out what other offerings do they have in Pizzas. The reason of this blog is because of the innovation that I found in the menu. Starting from its design to content, everything seems to be well thought out.

The names are innovative like Sandwiza (for sandwitch), Conniza (for Cone Pizzas), etc. From a distance it looks very simple. But how many really make that effort to make even the simple things look innovative. Cone Pizza is an excellent innovation, I would say. It actually catches the attention of Ice-cream lovers. Similarly they have a promotion (probably “whizz kid”) for attracting the small kids. And more importantly they have a program going on since 1998 to support the underprivileged. There are quite a few more things which I am not putting here.

From a Product perspective, I would say they are trying their best to bring as much innovation possible. But probably what is lacking is innovation in the delivery of the product. I am not sure how many customers are really aware of various promotions they have. I am not sure how vigorously they are marketing their new offerings. Unless somebody goes through their menu, he/she can’t get to know about the promotions. Probably, the marketing team needs to look at more innovative ways of taking the innovative product to customers. Similarly, the operation probably needs to focus on delivery innovation part to ensure a good customer service.

Good luck to them!!!