When the Game Is Drifting, Stir the Pot

A note to young leaders.

When the economy slows, it’s all too easy to lose momentum and begin drifting.

Drifting is the antithesis of leadership.

Allan Border once gave Shane Warne a pearl of wisdom: “Mate, if nothing’s happening out there and the game’s drifting, stir the pot – pick a fight with a batsman.”

Sydney, January 1999. ODI final: Australia vs England.

Warne, standing in as captain for an injured Steve Waugh, watches as Australia limp to 232. In reply, Nasser Hussain is cruising on 58 not out and the match is slowly drifting out of Australia’s grip.

Warne puts himself on to bowl and deliberately taunts Hussain, who duly snaps back: “Enjoy your last game as captain, Warnie – you’ll never lead Australia again.”

Fired-up, Warne is back in the contest. His very next delivery drifts, dips, lures Hussain out of his crease, rips, and Gilchrist pounces. Hussain is out.

Warne celebrates the dismissal with more gusto than usual – and a suddenly re-energised Australia tears through England’s lower order to win the match.

Border’s advice was spot on. When things begin to drift – fire up.

And make sure your fire is directed outward at your competitors, not inward at your team mates.