Lessons in Leadership: The Pickleball Effect

Have you tried pickleball yet? It’s more than what you think. It’s new, it’s fun, anyone can play it at any age…and, best of all, each time you get on a pickleball court, it’s a fun lesson in leadership.

Among the myriad of cool inventions in the 1970s, two distinct creations emerged that have since had a significant impact on their respective fields. John Geier, a faculty member at the University of Minnesota, developed the first DISC Assessment, also known as the Personal Profile System. And, no, DISC is not what the ball is in pickleball. Around the same time, Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State, introduced a unique game combining elements of badminton and ping pong, now famously known as Pickleball.

As a newcomer to the world of Pickleball and a fierce competitor in any sport I play, I am constantly seeking ways to gain an advantage. The more I immersed myself in it, the more I realized that winning was not solely determined by athleticism but rather by effective communication. The successful teams were the ones who communicated seamlessly, understanding each other's positioning on the court, taking on leadership roles, coordinating their movements, making strategic decisions such as when to rush the net or fall back, when to execute a dink or a powerful drive, and when to step into or out of the kitchen or non-volley zone. In short, verbal and nonverbal communication played a crucial role in players' ability to position themselves optimally, leverage each other's strengths, maintain a solid defensive line, move the ball strategically, and ultimately secure victory.

As I continue to play doubles matches every week, aiming to refine my athletic skills, footwork, and understanding of the game, I also strive to develop a deeper connection with my doubles partner. It goes beyond simply exchanging ratings, knowing their experience level, or which hand they favor. Effective communication during the intensity of the game, whether after a won or lost point, is paramount. Without communication and a keen understanding of each player's approach to the sport, success becomes elusive, just as it would in any team sport. This is where DISC enters the picture.

So, what exactly is DISC? DISC is a widely used personal or behavioral assessment tool, relied upon by millions of people annually, to understand themselves better and unlock their leadership potential. The revered tool also serves to enhance teamwork, communication, and overall productivity in the workplace and in life. The term itself is an acronym representing the four primary personality profiles outlined in the DiSC model: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). People can be classified into any one of these styles or a combination of two styles; say, “D” style or “SC: style.

Allow me to provide some insights into the different personality profiles:

• People with D personalities tend to be confident and place an emphasis on accomplishing bottom-line results.
• People with i personalities tend to be more open and place an emphasis on relationships and influencing or persuading others.
• People with S personalities tend to be dependable and place the emphasis on cooperation and sincerity.
• People with C personalities tend to place the emphasis on quality, accuracy, expertise, and competency.

Speaking for myself, I identify as a C personality. This means that when I make decisions, I carefully consider all available research and information. C personalities are often perfectionistic, setting high standards for themselves and others. We excel in problem-solving and creativity, as we pay attention to details that others may overlook. Accuracy and correctness are crucial to us, and we can be sensitive to criticism. We thrive in an environment that is peaceful, organized, and free from conflicts or arguments. Working independently is comfortable for us, as we value independence and autonomy but still require reassurance that we are meeting expectations. When interacting with a C Personality Type, it is best to provide specific details and explanations rather than broad generalizations. Avoid answering questions vaguely or casually.

Now, let's consider the impact of knowing that the person I'm playing with on the Pickleball court is also a C personality. How might this knowledge influence my style of play and the way I communicate with them during the course of the game? Imagine the benefits of understanding that my teammate is highly procedural, follows methods, values research and data. It would be advantageous to know that they strongly dislike making mistakes, tend to be over-critical, and fear criticism. Additionally, being aware that they may struggle to verbalize their feelings and desire reassurance can be helpful.

By having insight into their psychological tendencies and personality preferences, I can compensate where necessary and augment my communication style or game play. I can anticipate how they might react to a lost point or a serve fault, understanding their need for accuracy and fear of making errors. I can break down the game into smaller parts or chunks, identifying areas where improvements can be made based on their preference for a methodical approach. Moreover, I can celebrate and acknowledge the points they score, providing reassurance and building their confidence.

Knowing one’s behavioral style or DISC style is essential for success in any walk of life…let alone sports, but the key is the opportunity to learn the styles of others and adapt accordingly in situations or interactions. By leveraging the principles of human psychology and understanding each other's personalities, we can enhance our communication, strengthen our teamwork, and ultimately improve our performance in life, at work, and of course, on the Pickleball court.

To learn more about the DISC model and assessment tool, or to take the test and gain insights into your own natural behavioral tendencies, visit Potluck Culture Solutions at https://www.potluckculture.com/. As an authorized partner of Wiley, one of the world's most esteemed publishers of scientific and technical references, Potluck Culture ensures the highest quality standards and confidentiality.