Most people around me know that I always make it a point to enjoy a good film every once in a while. However, movies are not just a source of unwinding and entertainment for me – films are also a mode of learning for me, through which I gain valuable management-based lessons that can be incorporated in the corporate world and my daily life in general. One such movie is ‘Chak De! India’ that released in 2007.
Most of you would be aware of the plot of the film; for those who don’t, it is a movie about an ex Indian Hockey Team Captain who coaches the Indian Women’s Hockey Team to victory in the World Cup, while also clearing some allegations made against him in the past. While the movie does leave the viewer on the edge of their seats, there are various management lessons I learnt from the movie which I would like to share with you all.
Nothing Is Impossible
Everyone in the movie, including the team members themselves, consider that winning the World Cup is impossible, but under Kabir Khan’s leadership, they emerge victorious. The lesson here is that one has to get over all preconceived notions about the journey and its outcome, and continue working hard towards their goals. If one works hard and smart towards something they really want, it is achievable.
Work As A Team
While each individual may have their own set of unique skills to offer, teamwork is essential for progress. When a perfect amalgamation of various skills is achieved, the sky is the limit. The above being said, it is also important to delegate properly. In the movie, Kabir Khan is easily able to figure out which team member is best at which task, and places the team on the field accordingly to attain maximum output. Similarly, if a person with an inclination towards marketing is asked to do accounts-based jobs, s/he would not be able to deliver with the same level of efficiency and accuracy.
Be A Leader, Not A Boss
Seniority comes with a lot of responsibility, and it is essential to put it to the best use. A boss orders his subordinates to work, but a true leader works hand-in-hand with his subordinates. Kabir Khan not only leads the team to victory, but also helps the women overcome their fears and weaknesses in the process. A leader does not just focus on getting the work done; s/he also focuses on long-term development.
Challenges Are Opportunities
In the film, Kabir Khan, an ex-Captain with a tarnished image, was selected as the coach since the board had no faith in the Women’s Hockey Team. He took up this challenge and turned it into an opportunity by leading the team to victory, while also restoring his image in front of the people who hated him. Opportunities keep coming to us in the guise of challenges – how we look at them depends on our perspective. So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, you know what to do!
Stay Focused And Committed
While facing a challenge, there are a lot of odds that come our way. In the film, Kabir Khan faces many hurdles that come between him and his goal. It is due to sheer will power, focus, and commitment that he stays put and finishes what he started. It is important to stay determined, no matter what life throws at you. Once a person is firm on his resolve, nothing can stop him from achieving his desires.
Movies are much more than entertainment and I continue to draw management lessons from every good film I manage to watch. I hope you all begin seeing movies in a whole new perspective as well, for it has always been said that movies are a reflection of real life.