“Power Plays – In Cricket & Life”

“Power plays” a term associated with modern day cricket – one of the most fantastic & fascinating parts of an ODI – With the commercialization & the extremely passionate viewership it makes for one of the most enjoyable moments. For a batsman & the cricket lovers it proves to be a gala time – but spare a thought for the bowlers & the fielders – what a pitiable sight – they look absolutely helpless & lackluster.

Power plays are now associated with corporate world too – Corporate world? It never crosses the mind right? Just think – In every organization there are different kinds of employees with various areas of expertise & competencies – all of whom look at opportunities to climb the corporate ladder – some in the correct way, some others in any which way they can.

So, here you enter the corporate power play – We are all a part of this system. One would question – Is it wrong to get promoted, to get great pay hikes or a position of power? Well, certainly not – But how you get there? What steps do you take to get there? Do you step on someone else’s shoes does? There would be 2 schools of thoughts on this – One which agrees & the other who either revolts against it or moves out of the system without a word - & in all these cases the organization stands to lose, so does the individual who doesn’t engage in power plays.

At this juncture, it is very important to note the role of the system – Do they notice it? If yes, do they encourage it or admonish it? Remember, a system is as good as the people in it. So, the way the system shapes its culture, values & beliefs – so would the power players. The people in the system could do well to set great examples here.

Every system would have its share of quick learners, the guys with big learning curves, who dare & make a difference in the shortest possible time – as in Cricket & we would all love to have them in the system. But, should we promote the ones who engage in such activities only for selfish benefits – do they really put in their heart & soul for the system they work in & hence they deserve it – is something the system & the stakeholders need to decide. If they don’t – well the system only has itself to blame.

Yes, it is great fun & excitement to watch the power plays in cricket coz it’s meant for entertainment. But that’s not what corporate entities are meant for – they are real & whatever happens there affects human lives & careers, so think twice before you enter this one.