Organized athletics have been a part of my life since I was 11 years old. What I’ve come to understand – after decades in both the business world and on the court – is that competitive interactions teach us things about leadership, mindset, and human performance that no classroom ever could.
I was blessed to meet Doug by playing tennis against him. We later became doubles partners for several years, and Doug is the definition of an uber competitor. He wants to win at everything he does – and his infectious nature had a profound effect on me.
On those Saturday mornings playing ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association) doubles matches, Doug and I would discuss our opponents during warm-ups – looking for the “weak link,” studying tendencies, strategizing about how to win. Occasionally, we’d encounter what we called “warm up wonders” – players who look absolutely unbeatable during warm-ups, but wilt the moment real competition begins.
I’ve long since retired my tennis racket for the golf course, but the lessons Doug and I built on those Saturday mornings have shaped everything I’ve done in business. Here are the three that have served me best.
Lesson 1: Never Compare the Worst in Yourself Against the Best in Others
Our opponents often looked unbeatable in warm-ups. But Doug and I had learned to block that noise out and stay focused on what we knew we did best. Our play at the net was strong – long arms, quick reflexes, reliable overheads. We pushed opponents to play into our strengths rather than chasing theirs.
In business, we do the opposite all the time. We scroll through the success of peers, competitors, and industry leaders – and we measure our private self against their public highlight reel. It’s a losing game. The first step toward closing that gap is knowing exactly where you stand – not where someone else appears to be. If you haven’t yet identified your own professional gap, the MCP Career Readiness Assessment is a good place to start: https://forms.gle/V19cS2X6vXnv5zAm7
Lesson 2: Be Prepared to Go the Distance
Many times we outlasted our opponents simply because we were better conditioned and mentally prepared. Doug and I didn’t just believe we’d win – we trained to outlast. Our practices were deliberately more demanding than any match. We expected to go five sets to win three, and we prepared accordingly.
In your career, the competition rarely ends at the end of a quarter or a review cycle. The professionals who rise are the ones who stay physically and mentally prepared to give their best all the way to the finish – not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not.
Lesson 3: Align Yourself with a Winner
I’ve had many doubles partners over the years. The difference between Doug and all the others was simple: he always played to win. There was no time for self-doubt, no energy wasted on excuses. We talked about winning during practice. We expected it during matches.
If you want to accelerate your growth – in your career, your business, or your leadership – align yourself with winners. Invite one to coffee. Explain what you’re working toward. Ask for their mentorship. For a deeper look at how to make mentoring relationships work in both directions, read Mentoring: 6 Actions That Add Value – it’s one of the most practical pieces I’ve written on the subject.
You may be surprised how willing winners are to help others win – because winners understand that the highest form of success is creating more of it around you.
What has competitive experience – in sports, business, or life – taught you about leadership? Who came to mind as you read this? And which winner will you reach out to this week? Share your story in the comments below.
