Full disclosure: In my 53 years of actively following cricket, I’ve never been a fan of the Indian cricket team. My allegiance has long rested with the West Indies, followed by England and Australia, in that order. Over time, my engagement with cricket has waned, to the point where my recent involvement in following the game has been minimal. I didn’t catch a single ball of live TV or internet coverage throughout the 48 matches of the Cricket World Cup in 2023.
Cricket, a sport that evokes passion and pride, especially in Asia, (India included) often mirrors life in unexpected ways. The recent Cricket World Cup showcased the Indian team’s phenomenal run—victorious (# 10) in every match leading up to the final showdown against Australia. Yet, in a startling turn, the team stumbled and lost the World Cup to Australia (6 times champions). It was a Thrashing to say the least. This defeat, however, unveils intriguing parallels between sports performance and safety performance in the professional sphere.
1. Preparation and Execution: Much like the Indian team’s rigorous training, planning, and strategy sessions before each match, and execution on the field, the workplace demands thorough preparation for safety protocols. Both scenarios highlight the importance of execution; a single misstep can have profound consequences.
2. Consistency in Performance:The Indian team’s flawless record throughout the tournament mirrors the necessity of consistent adherence to safety protocols. Safety isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a daily commitment requiring unwavering dedication.
3. Pressure and High-Stakes Situations:The pressure of a finals of World cup cricket match resonates with high-stakes situations in the workplace. Despite prior successes, maintaining safety standards during critical moments is imperative. Past achievements count to nothing on the day of reckoing.
4. Learning from Setbacks: Australia lost its first 2 matches, they learnt from their defeats to turn the tables. Post the final match defeat, the Indian team must have analyzed their performance to learn and improve. Similarly, in safety, learning from incidents or near-misses is crucial for continuous enhancement.
5. Team Collaboration and Individual Responsibility: In cricket, each team member’s contribution matters; likewise, every individual’s commitment to safety fosters a secure workplace environment for all.
6. Resilience and Adaptability Just as resilience is key in bouncing back after a defeat, adapting safety measures after an incident ensures continuous improvement and adaptability. I am sure the Indian team would do well in matches to come. (Much to my irritation!!)…..
Closing Thoughts
The parallels between cricket and safety performance reveal a profound truth: success in both realms demands unwavering dedication, constant vigilance, and a commitment to learning from both victories and setbacks.
As we celebrate sporting achievements, let’s also reflect on the lessons they offer for ensuring a safer workplace—a place where every day, each individual’s commitment adds up to a collective safety culture.
Regards
Karthik
22nd Nov 2023
Health, Environment, Safety, Sustainability (HESS) 