Better the Ball
Better the Ball
As a kid, people would always comment on my height, noting that I was pretty tall for my age. New acquaintances even used to ask me if I played volleyball back in school (yeah, NO). It’s an easy presumption, as I am still pretty tall. Once you see me try to play a sport, that silly thought evaporates. An experienced sportswoman I am not. However, I’m a great fan. Sit me in front of a great women’s match, and I am hooked and loudly cheering on my favorite team (Go Big Red!).
I love the sport of women’s volleyball, especially the college game, and MOST especially, my beloved Cornhuskers. One of my favorite things to hear is when a player talks about how she scored because a teammate “bettered the ball” for her to hit. That simple phrase speaks volumes to me – it’s a statement about team synergy, flow and unselfish commitment to the success of the group. “Better the ball” is also fun to say out loud. (Go ahead. No one can see.)
Naturally, “better the ball” is a volleyball coach’s expression that finds its way into my own conversations with clients when someone is looking for a success metric. “Better the ball” is something you’ll hear coaches and VB players talk about in interviews, and I love the sentiment on and off the court. What VB aficionados mean is pretty simple:
Every time you touch the ball in play, your goal is to make it better for the next player to whom you pass.
“Bettering the ball” requires getting your body in the perfect position for you to hit it just right, which can mean planting your feet, hurrying to get under the ball, or even throwing your body on the floor to hit it. Perhaps you change the trajectory or the ball speed. Your goal is to simply make the ball an easier ball for your teammate – a better angle, a better spin, whatever…. just…better. Easier to set up and easier to get a great kill for the score. Whatever you do, your focus, as a teammate, is on making sure the next person in line is able to perform at her best. The concept is inherently selfless and expects an interconnected sense of “flow” among all members of the team.
“Bettering the ball” means focusing on making things more effective for the next person in line and not getting any credit for yourself. The phrase is team-focused, skills-based, and super simple.
When I talk about this approach with clients, I appreciate how much this concept relies on preparation as well as execution. For a VB player to be ready to “better the ball,” she needs to put time in at the gym, making sure she has the ability to respond in the moment. And she needs to learn about her teammates’ skills and talents so she can pass a ball that is better suited for her particular teammate. Lastly, she needs to focus on just that one ball, at that one moment – and then let it go and get ready for the next one. Preparation + Awareness + Focus = Bettering the Ball. All great lessons for leaders and followers both!
I love everything about this expression and use it as a personal guiding work principle for success of a project, difficult conversation, and long-term planning. When I am facing a task, I imagine the person who will be the recipient of my work and consider how I am providing something that allows them to be more successful. For my own day-to-day work as an executive and professional coach, that means that I keep current on leadership concepts and trends and make sure to have resources ready for clients. I show up to sessions with a clear head and positive mindset by keeping myself physically and mentally healthy. And I ensure that time prior to any session is spent focused on a client, so I can concentrate on them for our time together free from distractions.
I partner with clients who want to ensure they can be ready for anything that comes their way so that they can “better the ball” for the folks with whom they work. Some days, it is easy to do the minimum, especially when you get a “bad pass” of a project or circumstance. But the person who gets their feet under them, squares their shoulders and “betters the ball” will be appreciated by the group, and certainly will help everyone to succeed. Chances are, you’ll inspire better from everyone else, too!
Are you ready to "better the ball" for your work?
- Are you putting in the prep time? As a team member, are you making sure that you are at your best? Are you living a healthy lifestyle with reduced stress, positive influences and consistent rest?
- Are your skills sharp? Have you invested in your professional development as a life-long learner? Have you developed strong skills in shared leadership, tacit knowledge and interpersonal communication?
- Are you focused on the goals for your organization and your own path? Have you ensured alignment with the core values upon which your work is based? Have you ensured that your contributions are directed towards the needs of the moment?
Ask yourself, is this “bettering the ball” for the next teammate? Everyone wants a team member who has their back. Everyone wants to be on a team with synergy and flow, where the other team members are focused together on being their collective best. And we love to sweep the other team by playing as an unstoppable force. Team success creates amazing sense of momentum; when you do your best as a leader, the whole team benefits! Make sure you are doing your part!
