While rehabbing my shoulder after replacement surgery and not able to step onto a tennis court, I have been watching tutorials to learn how to improve my topspin forehand and more.
In one video, a well-known tennis coach asked a player why he was making so many unforced errors. The player gave a credible reply citing two problems in his technique. The coach’s next question was very powerful. He said, “You are answering my question as if you are a tennis coach. Now, tell me, as a player, how did it FEEL?”
It struck me that today with business executives having attended ubiquitous conferences, seminars, and webinars; having read myriad self-help books, having watched countless streaming videos and listened to multiple podcasts – many know the theory and language behind becoming a better leader, so they can talk the talk. But more importantly, have they internalized the behaviors they wish to change such that they truly FEEL different about what they are doing or trying to do?
We have learned from high performers in sports (and business), an improvement in performance comes from self-awareness and reflecting on not just what to think about our actions, but how we FEEL when we are doing them. Being in touch with how we are feeling catalyzes the changes in our behavior that enable us to enjoy more productive, mutually beneficial relationships with others.
At the organizational level there is a difference between a ‘culture’ survey that asks employees to reflect on how things are done around here; versus, a ‘climate’ survey that explores how employees FEEL about working here. The latter has a significant impact on the former and ultimately on their and the business’s performance.
So, for now, I can only visualize rallying across the net with a partner which is, in and of itself, a useful exercise for improved performance. But I can’t wait to be back on the court working on my technique and FEELING what it is like to hit a solid topspin forehand down the line.
How do you improve your game?
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