May 30, 2018 Lessons from the Court
I am confident in saying that I am an expert at event management and marketing, having spent my nearly 40-year career in various aspects of the field, producing hundreds of highly complex meetings and events for big name brands.
I am also confident in stating that I am not an expert when it comes to tennis, though I now spend a lot of time on the court dreaming that I could one day make my way to expert status, all the while acknowledging that this is not even a remote possibility.
Through my novice status on the courts I’ve learned a great deal more than how to hit winning volleys and serves.
As I take myself way out of my comfort zone, I am humbled beyond words. I am keenly and painfully aware of my place in the rankings. I love watching expert players and marvel at their skills, movement, and athleticism. This novice state is in stark contrast to my confident expert status in the workplace, and it’s got me thinking.
How am I made to feel when out for practice and the better players work to “bring me up” through coaching and constant encouragement?
Grateful, inspired, eager, nervous, vulnerable, and excited, all rolled into one.
How am I made to feel when the better players look the other way hoping they don’t end up on the court with me?
Discouraged, perhaps self-conscious, sometimes a bit sad, and frustrated, all rolled into one.
Well then, how do I show up as an expert?
Who do I bring up and how am I making them feel along the way?
….and why does this matter?
If we put ourselves in situations where we are vulnerable, open to learning, lowest on the team in terms of experience, we become better listeners, better observers. We listen more than we talk. We observe more than demonstrate. We are grateful, humble, vulnerable, and possibly even kinder. What’s not to like and learn from this?
As we reach success in our professional lives, it’s important to mentor and bring others up.
Tennis has helped me learn the importance of spending an equal amount of time in that uncomfortable novice zone, where I’m reminded of what it’s like to be the newbie, and quite possibly show up a better version of myself.
With gratitude to captain Mariel for her tennis (and life) lessons,
Cindy Wilson
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