Leadership and Pickleball: In an era where the fast-paced world of sports often mirrors the dynamics of corporate leadership, an intriguing connection has emerged between the game of pickleball and the art of leadership. Sheila, a seasoned healthcare leader with over two decades of experience in oncology, recently shared her observation into how this sport has influenced her professional life. Sheila’s journey in oncology and her newfound passion for pickleball offer a fascinating glimpse into the parallels between leading a team in healthcare and mastering the court in one of America’s fastest-growing sports.
Sheila’s impressive career in healthcare leadership is marked by significant milestones. With over 20 years dedicated to oncology, she played an important role in establishing an oncology center in Tampa Bay, managing it for 11 years. Despite the inherent challenges of cancer care, Sheila’s passion for the field has remained persistent. Her ability to navigate the complexities of healthcare leadership, dealing with different generations and their varied work ethics, has equipped her with invaluable skills.
Transitioning from the healthcare battlefield to the pickleball court, Sheila discovered a sport that not only keeps her active but also offers a unique perspective on leadership. Pickleball, with its blend of strategy, adaptability, and teamwork, resonated with Sheila, who has been playing for just over a year. “It’s probably one of the best activities I’ve found. I absolutely love it and got to meet wonderful people like yourself doing it,” Sheila expressed. The sport’s social aspect and the opportunity to meet diverse individuals further fueled her enthusiasm. For Sheila, pickleball is more than a game; it’s a microcosm of the challenges and rewards found in leadership roles.
One of the core challenges Sheila identifies in both leadership and pickleball is managing generational differences. In her professional realm, understanding and bridging the gap between varying work ethics and communication styles is crucial. Similarly, on the pickleball court, she encounters players of different ages and skill levels, each bringing their approach to the game. Sheila points out the importance of modifying leadership strategies to suit individual team members, much like adapting her play style to complement her partners on the court. “You really got to know your team, understand how they work, how to bring out the best in them, and then you coach them up,” Sheila explained.
Technology’s dynamic landscape is another area where Sheila draws parallels between her leadership role and pickleball. In healthcare, staying informed of technological advancements is essential. Leaders must be flexible, continuously learning, and open to new ideas. This adaptability extends to pickleball, where equipment and techniques constantly evolve. Sheila’s openness to feedback and her willingness to experiment with new paddles and strategies reflect her commitment to continuous improvement.
“You have to be so flexible as a leader and adaptive. You have to learn; you’re constantly learning.”-sheila
Sheila’s experience underlines fundamental truth: leadership, whether in healthcare or on the pickleball court, demands patience, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge oneself. She recalls struggling with the scoring system when she first started playing pickleball, which taught her patience and the importance of giving oneself grace. “You learn patience from that, and I think being a leader, you must have patience,” Sheila said. These lessons translate seamlessly to her leadership approach, where patience and understanding are vital in developing a supportive and effective team environment.
Sheila stated the lessons she has learned from pickleball that improved her leadership capabilities. From strategic thinking and team collaboration to decision-making and adaptability, the sport mirrors the demands of effective leadership. As a statement to this synergy, an upcoming webinar on July 26, led by Dr. K, will talk about how pickleball can help develop critical leadership skills. The event promises to explore the strategic and dynamic nature of the sport and its impact on building robust leadership qualities.
Sheila’s journey from the oncology center to the pickleball court highlights a compelling narrative of how sports can influence and improve professional skills. As she continues to balance her passion for healthcare with her love for pickleball, Sheila presents the dynamic interplay between physical activity and leadership. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that the principles of sportsmanship and strategic thinking extend far beyond the court, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
News In Brief: Leadership and Pickleball
Sheila, a seasoned healthcare leader with over 20 years in oncology, shares how pickleball has influenced her professional life. Having managed an oncology center in Tampa Bay for 11 years, Sheila discovered a new passion in pickleball, which she has been playing for just over a year. She highlights the sport’s strategic, agile, and teamwork elements, drawing parallels to her leadership experiences.
Sheila notes the importance of managing generational differences, adapting to new technologies, and exercising patience—skills essential in both healthcare and on the pickleball court. Her story underlines the interplay between sports and leadership, demonstrating how principles from the game can develop professional skills. An upcoming webinar on July 26, led by Dr. K, will further explore how pickleball can develop critical leadership abilities. Sheila’s journey illustrates the broader impact of sports on effective leadership.
