Lesson 1: Make quick impact in shortest available time

The opportunity window is smaller. You get to bat only once. There is no second innings to better your performance. Each bowler has limited deliveries to bowl.

Lesson 2: Constant pressure to perform 

There is constant pressure to perform with deployment of score cards, run rates, strike rates, bowling averages and the points earned in the tournament.  Winners are the ones who deliver despite a constant asking rate hovering over their head.

Lesson 3: Allow no room for wasted efforts

Every wide or no ball is a wasted effort and adversely tilts the game. You always have to achieve perfection in the shortest time available.

Lesson 4: Ensure historical performance carries no weightage 

There is no guarantee of inclusion in the team for a long term. Consistent high level performances alone can justify a reserved seat. Team members will continue jostling with each other for retaining their positions.

Lesson 5: Adopt the plug and play mode

You don’t have the time to study the pitch, read the bowling and then go for the onslaught. There is no scope for on-the-job learning; all the homework is done before the match.

Lesson 6: Champion gutsy risk takers 

There is no room for playing safe. Aggression with stability is the formula for success.  Those who exhibit a controlled aggression all through the game will flourish.

Lesson 7: Disrupt competitors

There is uncertainty galore and nothing is predictable in limited overs. The thrill of the game lies in its uncertainty and the mantra is to unsettle the opponents.

Lesson 8: Embrace Generation Y to pose healthy competition to veterans 

Passion, energy, drive, and agility are the critical success factors. Like it or not - the senior players will have to gracefully pave way for the younger players to take charge. Generation Y will dominate.

Lesson 9: Choose versatile resources over specialists 

Multi-skilled players have a better chance of being selected. Each team member needs to be an all-rounder. An electrifying fielder with a decent batting strike rate is the preferred choice.

Lesson 10: Align all team members to the game plan

Outstanding performances by a few players alone cannot win the game. The limited overs format calls for a perfect synchronization from everyone in the team.

Lesson 11: Manage within constraints and resort to dynamic decision making

Limited format by its design throws lot of constraints to manage; maximum number of overs per bowler, power-play field placement restrictions, choice of team members, batting order and rotation of bowlers.  Dynamic decisions are needed to deal with the multiple variables.

Lesson 12: Don’t warm the crease

As in the limited game format, employees can no longer be warming up on the crease. If they cannot deliver, they will have to make way for others.

Conclusion: RESULT ORIENTATION AND SHORTENED PERFORMANCE CYCLE 

Looking back, it is surprising how we had the patience to wait through gruelling five ‘test’ days and still take a draw for a result. With T20 becoming the favourite game format, spectators are demanding heightened performances in the shortest time. Similarly, industries are witnessing the need to operate at their fastest best. Result orientation is the buzz word in corporate corridors. It is time to adapt to the new DNA.