Job Interview Insights from a Basketball Pick-Up Game

Recently I was walking laps on the upstairs track at the gym.  As I was cooling down, I noticed a group of people starting a pickup basketball game.  Observing how the basketball game developed was instructive in group dynamics and can be applied to sports or a work environment.

The group of basketball players were of mixed age, race, gender and basketball talent. There were 10 people, 3 women and 7 men.  Their ages ranged from approximately 20 to 70 years of age. All seemed to be having fun considering the wide disparity of talent present on the court!  

I stopped and watched several minutes of the game.  I immediately noticed that the more talented basketball players always went straight for the basket.  Never did they consider looking to see if any other player may have an easier shot or give anyone else an opportunity to shoot the ball.  These players simply plowed through to take their shot at the basket. Witnessing this game from the upstairs track I was able to clearly see a missed opportunity for the team as other players were indeed wide open to score but no pass was offered to them.  The team would have ultimately scored much higher had they formed a partnership unifying for a strong win.

Is there ever occasion within your team for you to “pass the ball” to someone whom you know can score for the team?  Teamwork allows all different levels of talent and skill to excel and professionally evolve. A good team leader will take steps to purposefully nudge team members to the forefront.  Encouraging members who may not normally step up gives them the confidence to progress and grow while providing the more advanced members an opportunity to cultivate new responsibilities that will facilitate forward team progress.  A healthy team dynamic is one where members want all to be included and successful. Stepping aside to allow another to excel exhibits your emotional intelligence and understanding of how a team should work.  

Granted, our work environment isn’t a pick-up game of basketball but if we all interact collectively as a proper team, the workplace will be a much better place.

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