Career Lessons from My First Crack at Cricket
“94% of employees say taking time to learn is beneficial to their careers.”
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” — Gal 6:7–8
I made a complete fool of myself, trying my hand at the most popular sport in South Asia. I dressed up like a pro batsman, ready to smack the ball out of the park. In my head, I was Virat Kohli. I decided to do this after being in Kabul for almost nine years.
As I sat on the stands that morning, I requested a quick crash course from my colleagues to help me understand what was happening on the grounds. Then, I had some quick batting practice with a kid behind the oval line. Armed with some idea of the rules of the game, I started barking instructions from the stands. Then, one play riled me up. The batsman could barely hit the ball anywhere close to the boundary from bowls that looked like a simple toss of the ball.
“What are you batting?” I yelled. “Even I can hit that out of the park for a six.” Then, I asked — “who is the best batsman in the group?” I suited up with my helmet, gloves, and shin pads and grabbed a bat. I asked the best batsman to give me another crash batting course. He efficiently taught me the correct head position, leg work and swing. “I got it. I am ready. Let’s do this.” “Make sure you capture my shot with the ball flying into the stands for a six.”
I would love to share that epic video with you. Unfortunately, no one captured it on camera because it never happened. My batting was nothing short of embarrassing. I missed a few balls tossed at me at 5 KMPH or less. But I managed to hit three of four a few metres away. I did not get a chance to get my moment of fame before we were rushed off the oval to make way for the next game.
Walking off the grounds, I saw parallels between this experience and the workplace. I shared with my colleagues the following lessons this short experience taught me.
1) Do not assume it is easy.
The slow bowls looked easy to bat, and I questioned the batsman’s commitment to the game. I learned firsthand that it is not as easy as it looked.
We should appreciate that everyone is trying their best at their jobs. And being able to empathise with others is a critical career skill.
2) Obtain the knowledge you need to do your job.
I asked about the rules of the game, then got the best batsman to teach me how to bat. Although I could not translate that limited knowledge into action, I understand the game better now.
To grow, we must acquire new and relevant skills to get us to where we want to be in our careers. We can do it through formal learning, self-education, and coaching.
3) Be Patient.
I couldn’t become an expert batsman after 15 minutes of coaching. That simply is not how growth works. I will need time to practice what I learned.
Just because we earned a CA does not mean we should immediately become the CFO. There is a path to the top that requires practical expertise and vast experience — all of which do not come overnight.
4) Plan your next move.
“Why am I missing these simple bowls?” I asked. “You need to look at the ball to anticipate where it will be before you swing,” was the reply from my coach of the day.
Like having a perfect hit in cricket, you need to plan and meticulously prepare for your next career move. Don’t just swing your career bat aimlessly like I did at cricket.
5) Look for opportunities to develop your skills.
I will never do better than my first outing if I do not make time to practice. I would have to accept embarrassing displays in the beginning. But with regular, consistent practice, I will get better.
We need to embrace being uncomfortable when trying a new career move. Ask for work that is outside your comfort zone. And be persistent at building a skill.
“If it was easy, everyone would do be doing it, and you wouldn’t have an opportunity.” — Bob Parsons.
Don’t look for the easy way or a shortcut to the top. You must be patient, invest in yourself and plan your career carefully. A former CEO once told me, “No one will take care of your career for you. You are responsible for your career growth.”
Two (2) Book recommendations
My grandmother taught me the value of self-education. And I have been besties with books ever since. I will be reading these two of the twelve books Madeline Miles recommended in her article — “Build the career you want. These 12 books will show you how.”
a) The Long Game. by Dorie Clark
“Best for planning long-term career success.”
b) Expect to Win: 10 Proven Strategies for Thriving in the Workplace. by Carla A Harris
“Best for career growth and strategy.”
Three (3) Citations
These three quotes will help to ignite your growth journey.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs.
“A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes, JR.
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — Seneca.
