What a Green Racquetball Taught Me About Leadership

Yes, you read that right. In 2003, I carried around a bright green racquetball with me everywhere I went—for over a year.

Sounds strange, right? You’re probably wondering why a blog about leadership starts with a story about a bouncy ball. But stick with me—because this odd little object helped transform the way I lead.

Let me take you back.

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The Wake-Up Call I Didn’t Know I Needed

In 2003, I enrolled in a leadership program called Making Great Leaders. There are plenty of leadership courses out there, but this one stood out. It wasn’t just about reading theories or watching videos—it was personal. Really personal.

The program involved 360-degree feedback: input from your boss, peers, and direct reports, all boiled down into a leadership profile. Then you sat with a consultant who helped you process the results and create a development plan.

I remember thinking, “This will be a good tune-up—though I doubt there’s much to fix.”

(Spoiler alert: there was plenty to fix.)

At the top of the feedback? My tendency to be overly directive. I wanted to be in everything. Know everything. Do everything.

In other words, I was a classic micromanager. (I know—shocking for an engineer.)

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From Feedback to Follow-Through

After processing the initial sting of my results, I decided to do something bold.

I called a team meeting and gave them a full download. I walked them through the leadership framework from the training. I shared my results—including the not-so-pretty parts. Then I thanked them for their honest feedback. (Even though, in truth, it had been humbling to hear.)

One key point from their feedback was that I always wanted to “carry the ball.” I struggled with delegation—and it showed.

So I made a promise: That ends today.

To symbolize this, I gave each team member a green racquetball—and kept one for myself.

Their instructions? Keep the ball on your desk. If I showed up and started micromanaging, they had full permission to toss the ball at me.

Meanwhile, I committed to carrying my own “Mr. Green Ball” everywhere I went at work. Not just as a symbol—but as a daily reminder of what I was working on.

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Rule #2: Make Your Weaknesses Known

There’s power in vulnerability. Rule #2 in my personal leadership playbook became:
Let everyone know what your weaknesses are—and that you’re actively working on them.

Putting my shortcomings on display did two things:

1. It kept me accountable.

2. It invited them to help me grow.

I never actually had a ball thrown at me—but I definitely saw people reach for it. And that was enough.

Years later, I retook the leadership survey. My scores had drastically improved. Not just because of the ball, but because I’d truly embraced the process of change—and invited my team to be a part of it.

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Your Turn: Step Into Growth

Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And progress requires honesty, humility, and help from others.

Action Item #2:
Schedule a one-hour meeting with your team. Share your desire to grow as a leader. Be transparent about the areas you’re working on. Ask for their input, and invite them to hold you accountable.

Then, revisit that conversation quarterly. Growth isn’t a one-time event—it’s a rhythm.

And hey, if it helps… go buy a racquetball.