7 Things I learned from the playing field & took into the Business World.

“Sports don’t build character; 

But they reveal It”.

-Heywood Broun.

I have been playing sports for the past 2 decades, predominantly field hockey. I have had my fair share of wins and losses and that has built my leadership and decision-making abilities. Due to my active involvement in sports, I was able to coach 3 teams in field hockey where my leadership skills were bolstered and, as was my confidence. Based on the work experiences I have had in academia and in the corporate world, I have come to realize that my association in sports has taught me some valuable lessons which I believe will help in having a successful career after my MBA.

1.The transition from follower to leader.

Life is all about transition and moving to the next level. I still remember my first tournament, where I ended up sitting on the bench. I knew that I could do much better and I didn’t disappoint myself. The very next year, I ended up being the captain of the team by arriving first for every practice session and being the last one to leave the field. Similarly, in the business sector, everyone starts at an entry-level position, and perhaps won’t be fully utilized for at least a year. Then through dedication and leadership under various circumstances, you make a mark and earn a reputation. 

“Every champion was once a contender

Who refused to give up”

-Rocky Balboa.

2.The transition from leader to mentor.

There always comes a time when a person realizes leading is amazing but mentoring a person or a team to a challenge is a different ball game. I was lucky to experience that opportunity while coaching on three occasions and I had to step up at both times. Mentoring isn’t easy as it looks; it requires critical thinking, decisiveness, and building acceptability with the team, all vital skills when working in a professional team.

A good coach can change a game

A great coach can change a life ”

-John Wooden.

3.Focus on the minute details to achieve the maximum output.

When I used to coach, there was a player who was amazing during practice games, but he just couldn’t perform during tournaments. After a confidence-building chat and sharing tips based on detailed observations, he performed to his full potential. In the workplace, small details matter because they help transition individuals from potential to high performers. I look forward to focusing on those details which I can truly help a person in the business world.

4.KISS: Keep Things Simple Silly.

On the pitch or in the board room, everyone has a limited listening span and then they just zone out. Whether discussing set plays or having corporate discussions, it is better to keep it as simple as possible so that everyone gets the clearest picture as fast as possible.  

5. Change for better.

 One of the aspects taught in Six Sigma and Lean is the word Kaizen. Kaizen stands for change for the better. On the sports field, changes will occur in terms of new players coming along, old players going away, and injuries happening. There is no notice period for these but there is a change and we need to respect the change and improve ourselves. Similarly, at workplaces, employees come and go, policies change, projects change and these changes should strengthen the resolve to be better; that resolve is the spine of the organization.

Source: Unsplash (@rossf)

6. An individual does the task, but the team gets the job done.

When I had the opportunity to coach a team for the first time, I knew I could deliver the task but deep down I also knew that if I have to get the job done I would need the whole teams cooperation. Similarly, in the workplace, it takes an entire team filled with individuals who perform synchronously for the projects to be delivered. 

“Talent wins games

But Talent & Teamwork

wins Championships”

-Michael Jordan.

7. The best is yet to come.

Looking back at my experience of playing sports and leading teams, it was a wonderful experience. If I had quit even for one day thinking this wouldn’t go anywhere, I would definitely be wrong. I took part in every sports event possible and learned a new sport along the way. Similarly, in today’s context of COVID-19 imposed quarantine, when we are sitting at home pondering what will happen to our jobs, despising our daily routine and wondering how we can ever recover from this situation, I just have to say that we will recover from this situation and the best is yet to come.  

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”

-Wayne Gretzky.

Source: Unsplash (@johnnybenitez_)

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#business #sports #sportsmanagement #learning #education #canada