Yesterday my daughter and I were playing ping pong. Well, playing is a lofty description, more like we were chasing ping pong balls around the room.
Then we decided to see if we could rally back and forth fifty times in a row.
And we started. 1,2,3,4…
Our goal was clear, keep the rally alive.
Something interesting happened. In order to “win” we needed to set each other up for success. Our movements became slower and in control. Our shots were measured to facilitate an easy return. We counted together. Working in synch.
The only way we could win individually was by winning together.
It got me thinking how the best leaders I’ve had always set me up for success. They were there to keep the rally going, not to win the point. And I became better as a result.
PS we got to 57!