Ready to Receive
by Mariah Burton Nelson  

Here's my prediction for the NBA playoffs: The winning team will feature some incredible "receivers." We don't call them that in basketball because we don't call them anything, preferring to praise the amazing passers. But the receivers are the ones who make passers look good. At the perfect moment, they materialize under the hoop or soar high above it, ready not only to catch a pass, but to convert that pass into two points.

Many of us (including NBA stars) lack the patience, trust, or humility to be good receivers. We try to score all by ourselves - even when we're off-balance. We discount the gifts others offer. We fail to listen for the information or advice that could serve us well.

What would an artful receiver do in the workplace? Practice graciously accepting feedback so colleagues feel rewarded for contributing to your success, and continue to "pass you the ball." Get in "good position" by obtaining education and training, connecting with mentors, signing up for key projects. Listen to a supervisor's vision of how a new initiative could work, then actively implement that vision. In other words, get ready: At any time, help might be tossed in your direction.

When watching the playoffs - or your own kids' games - look for the receivers. See how alert they are. Then check out your own hands. Are you ready?

Point #1: Successful people position themselves to receive help from teammates.

Point #2: To be a good receiver requires humility, active listening, and practice.

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