Career management with a netball eye (part 3)

Netball is a fast game and here is part 3 of parallels with the world of work.

Another instruction fixed in a netball player’s mind is to keep one foot anchored to the ground when in possession of the ball. This isn’t just advice. These are the rules. Additionally, netball rules state a player can hold the ball for three seconds maximum, before they must pass it again.

What these two rules mean is a player must very quickly scan the court, establish their options for their next pass (while team mates dart around to be in a position to receive the ball), assess the likelihood of success of the options, make their decision and skilfully pass the ball. Whilst the foot rule sounds restrictive, the anchored foot does in fact give the player an element of stability and certainty while they are doing all of this.

In our professional lives, and particularly during times of change, confidence and clarity can derive from differentiating those things that will remain our constant anchor from those things that will change.

Making a decision to follow certain principles that are meaningful to us may give us something to hang our decisions on and stay on top of our game.

Our professional lives are not governed by rules that keep them as organised as a netball match. They are much less structured and are sometimes messy and uncomfortable. However, staying on our toes, remaining alert and being clear on our anchors helps us to maintain fluid and rewarding careers.