All Three: The Connection Between Parenting, Pickle Ball and Teamwork

I find myself with an addiction...

Pickle ball.

Pickle ball, seriously, if it was named something a little more ‘bad ass’ it would be far better. Pirate Ball…maybe…no. So, we’ll work with it since we don’t have a choice. If you don’t know, Pickle Ball is like a life sized version of Ping Pong. It is definitely an up and coming sport for people of all ages. Sometimes played on a modified tennis court and lowered net, this game is more than backyard badminton. It is a combination of hard shots, spin shots and little dink shots and can be played singles or doubles. Obviously for our discussion today we are looking at doubles. Like in sales, co-parenting or other business interactions it is often merely about keeping it in play, keeping the discussion going, not being responsible for an unforced error or a behavioral slip that costs the project or client. Like having a doubles partner in Pickle Ball, the key is to keep the ball in play and let the other team make a mistake. Too many unforced errors from players of a particular distinction is the focus of this…the ones that forget they are not playing singles and do not change their play based upon having a…teammate. When you see people slamming it into the net, wide or long on a regular basis they have forgotten the most important thing…they are in a partnership. We know from relationships of all kinds that compromise, give and take, collaboration, softening our positions…all of these are critical…parenting is no different, especially if you come from different backgrounds. If you have a doubles partner or business colleague that is taking tons of shots at the risk and expense of the team you might need a new partner (if your married start with coaching or counseling.) This is a mindset that most people, if they have it, will not change.

Life is about perspective. If we can’t stop to see the mounting frustration of continuous unforced or unnecessary errors, we are not only blind, we are limited in our feelings. The energy that is created when two Pickle Ball teammates or colleagues at work are in stride together is a thing to watch and feel. My take is always this: don’t let my partner down even if I have to change what I normally do. This mentality is usually beneficially and a new kind of synergy is created as my partner shifts their approach slightly as well. Whether it is Parenting, Pickle Ball or on the job, play as if you don’t want to let your partner down and you will go farther. Much love,

Dave