How Eoin Morgan’s Mindset Made Him a Winning Leader

A note to young leaders.
Think and act as a leader for long enough and you will become the leader.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Eoin Morgan was an unlikely choice to become captain of England’s ODI team.

When he was interviewed for the role, he impressed with his proposed vision, team composition and tactics. How, he was asked, did he amass such detailed knowledge of the game over such a short period of time?
Morgan replied: Every ball of every game I’ve ever played, I’ve asked myself: “What would I do if I were captain? Who would I choose to bowl the next over? Which batsman would I send in next? What field would I set for the next delivery?” Then I compared my decisions with the decisions made.

Appointed captain in 2015, Morgan went on to create a culture in which batsmen felt safe to back themselves – without fearing reprisal if they failed.

Under his leadership, England lifted the world record to 444 in 2016, 481 in 2018 (against Australia) and 498 in 2022. Under the previous captain, Alastair Cook, they never passed 325.

Morgan proved himself a superb leader. He got the best out of his players. And he did it all by imagining himself as leader long before he was officially appointed.