MS Dhoni Talks About 'Loyalty' for Captain, 'Players Respect' Ahead of IPL 2024
MS Dhoni's leadership and man-management skills are part of cricket's urban legend, and the former India skipper said on Friday that earning the respect and loyalty of players with deeds formed the primary layer of leadership. Under Dhoni, India had won two World Cups and a Champions Trophy, besides reaching the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time. Dhoni, in a function organized by Single.ID, a first-of-its-kind cross-reward program identifier, 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 saying. You may not actually say anything, but your conduct can earn that respect."
Dhoni said respect for a leader comes from his deeds rather than his words.
"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.
He said, "To sum it up, don't try to command respect, but earn it, as it is very organic. Once you have that loyalty, then performance too will follow.”