Anyone interested in playing some tennis at work? I don’t mean literally, of course. No need to string up a net across your cubicles or draw lines on the factory floor. I’m simply suggesting that you stop for a moment and think about the game of tennis and how it relates to what you face on the job.
In tennis, there’s always an opponent across the net, just waiting to smash the ball past you. And of course, there are competitors in business who want nothing more than to beat you at your own game. These people and organizations try to take your competitive advantage, improve upon it, and then fire an even better product or service right back at you. Some people – usually the ones who are winning – call this “friendly competition.”
Losing a deal is a lot like losing a game in tennis – it doesn’t feel very good. And if you dwell on it, you’ll likely lose the set or perhaps even the match. In other words, focusing on your mistakes can cost you time, money and even customers. Instead, do what the pros do – size up your competition, determine their strengths and weaknesses, and formulate a strategy for how you can perform better than they do.
Here’s another similarity between tennis and work: What do tennis instructors always say? “Keep your eye on the ball and follow through.” This advice is crucial in business. At work, we must stay focused and deliver on our promises if we expect to have any chance of winning.
Finally, remember to have fun and put things in perspective. Losing one or two games isn’t a big deal. What counts is who wins the match. Take downturns in stride – no racket throwing or temper tantrums. These antics not only eliminate the fun, but can also contribute to a loss (not to mention a bad reputation).
Are there any differences between tennis and work? Sure! In tennis, you want to avoid love... But at work, you can absolutely love what you do! |
