I’ve played tennis for as long as I can remember, and really enjoy a good game of doubles. I enjoy the camaraderie of doubles, and sharing the glory of a great win with my partner.

I’m competitive and I like to win, but not to the degree where the game isn’t fun anymore. For me, enjoying what you’re doing is the main thing, and you tend to get better results when you are in this frame of mind.

I’ve had so many doubles partners through the years, and some I’ve enjoyed playing with much more than others – the ones that take it too seriously, like it’s a matter of life or death, make me uncomfortable. I like to have fun on court, and I tend to play better when I relax and get into the swing of things (literally).

Doubles is about working together, figuring out a strategy, and of course, cooperation. There’s no point in getting annoyed with my partner if she makes a wrong decision on court, or vice versa. Things tend to go from bad to worse if that’s the attitude taken, and frustration sets in. It’s much better to take mistakes on board, and do your best to ensure they don’t happen again.

Lately I’ve been thinking, tennis isn’t too different to the world of business! There are ‘partners’ I enjoy playing with, and who I win with more than others, and it’s really down to how we approach the ‘game’ together.

Australian professional tennis player Sam Stosur once said “You’ve just got to get over that mental hurdle and those battles in your own head during matches when things aren’t going so well. It takes time. It’s probably all things I already knew, but for someone to talk about it maybe in a different way makes you realise things.” 

In doubles – whether it be on the court or in the office, you have the opportunity to work as a team, and that gives you a distinct advantage to playing singles, so use it and before long you’ll be hearing the words “Game, set and match” followed by your name.

Ali O’Brien is a Senior Account Manager with Fuzion PR