I have recently started playing tennis again. As in golf, there are many leadership lessons that can be gleaned from the sport, especially in communication.
When playing doubles, there is an implied team agreement. It is understood that you have your team member’s back. You are on the same side and aligned around a common goal. This concept is valuable to incorporate when we work with colleagues and clients.
In addition, partnerships require communication to be successful. The team does better when partners call balls and say “mine” or “yours.” Each person knows her responsibility and also knows what the other is doing.
Jim Loehr, a world-renowned performance psychologist, has conducted studies that show when partners communicate with each other on the court, they are more likely to win.
If we apply this concept off the court, fewer balls would be dropped, less blame would occur and we would have a clear understanding of everyone’s roles.
Spinning the ball in tennis allows you to challenge your opponent more since it doesn’t land where it drops. Like in tennis, confusion results when we spin our communication and are not clear. If we want direct and effective dialogue, it is best to “hit” the message so it lands where we want.
And acknowledging good shots that your partner or opponents hit is good sportsmanship. It is also valuable in the workplace as it builds camaraderie and confidence.
Remembering to incorporate a team agreement, more frequent communication and acknowledgment and less spin, will increase the effectiveness of your game. It will also likely increase the “love” of what you’re doing!