“I would like to announce that after careful consideration I have concluded that it is in the best long-term interests of the team that I step down now as national captain so that a new leader can be properly groomed for the 2015 World Cup in Australia.”
The above extract is from the statement of Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara, who informed Sri Lanka Cricket last Tuesday that he was resigning as Captain of the National Team.
Sangakkara has scored over 8,000 runs with an average of nearly 40 and in ODIs he has scored over 9,000 runs with an average of 57. Commentators always praised Sangakkara for his superb “timing” of the cricket ball and that is one of Sanga’s secrets of becoming a great batsman.
The idea of this article is not to analyse his capabilities as the Captain of the Sri Lankan Cricket Team, but his “timing” of stepping down as the captain. While maintaining his “timing” for 291 ODI and 91 test matches, he got the “timing” correct in stepping down too.
Becoming the captain of a team is surely one of the best things a person can achieve. It may be that person’s ultimate objective. However, while many people work very hard to get to the peak, they fail when it comes to deciding when to step down.
There is a simple theory you need to follow in such instances. The best advice is to step down when you are at the peak. If you need to be remembered and respected, it’s the way should be. But it is unfortunate to note that many select the option of waiting until someone else removes them from the leadership position. It is pathetic since it may overwrite all the good work you have done.
Let’s take the extreme example of Colonel Gaddafi. He has been the leader of Libya since a military coup on 1 September 1969, where he overthrew King Idris of Libya and established the Libyan Arab Republic. His 42 years in power make him one of the longest-serving rulers in history. He was highly regarded for all the good work he did at the initial stage, but now all need to throw him out. This is exactly what could happen to any leader who doesn’t know when to call it quits.
This is a great precedence even for someone who works in a company. If you ever think of leaving, always make sure that you do that on a high note. The best is to decide on this when you are at the peak; never think of leaving when you are sidelined. If you are neglected in your company, still work hard on regaining your pride and then leave.
There are two men, namely Mahela and Sanga, who taught us about “timing” both with the bat and in decision making by hitting many fours and quitting at the right time from the captaincy. The example they have set will be an eye-opener for any leader.
I was in a doubt too, but yes, after reading this, think it's great timing!.
ReplyDeleteOnly problem is we have not groomed anyone for the captaincy !!!!
ReplyDelete