Ball - YOU - Man! Protect the Ball!

I remember hearing this from my coaches during practice sessions for basketball.  I observed this similar offensive stance approach in soccer, water polo, field hockey, lacrosse, football, and many other sports.  The main point was to place yourself in between the ball (your most valuable asset) and the man (defensive opponent) when focused on scoring a goal.  In sports, this approach helps prevent a steal, fumble, or block leading to loss of ball possession.  

In life, we are on the offensive when striving to achieve career and life goals.  However, the balls (most valuable assets) are different.  In life, our most valuable assets are loved ones, relationships, health, trust, and integrity.  In life, these types of balls are fragile like glass and don’t easily bounce back.  In addition, the defensive opponent is often hidden and shows up as ego, pride, fear, and selfishness. The best way to protect life’s most valuable assets is through your personal dedication of time, empathy, attention, and listening.

In sports, we all know and love the comeback story.  These stories are less common in life when trust is broken, relationships are burned, or integrity is lost.  So, knowing you have the choice, where will you invest your focus on “ball” protection?

The next time you are in a 1:1 career / coaching discussion with a valuable employee, make sure it is the employee - YOU - screen (i.e. computer, phone, tablet with all its urgent but unimportant messages, group texts, etc.).  No one likes being invited to a meeting where the meeting organizer spends most of their time on the phone.  Place the phone/screen out of sight!

In the times at work we are interrupted for that urgent and important call to take, make sure you follow-up and reschedule quality time to respect your most valuable assets!

To gain more insight, watch the below video from Simon Sinek, the magnificent storyteller of the Golden Circle.

Simon Sinek - How Cell Phones Impact Relationships

#stopthe4thapesyndrome, #closedonsundays, #humanityisyourchickfilet, #glassballsfirst

© Nuri Dimler 2025