Shirts and Skins

Don't lose touch.
Your job, your skin color, and your bank account mean nothing in a pick-up basketball game. You're stripped down to T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers and your on-court status is solely dependent upon the assets you bring to your team and the game. The court is indeed a brutally -- and beautifully -- honest common ground. As one who sits in a corner office, I know how easy it can be to become disconnected. Playing pick-up ball reminds me of the constant need to stay in touch. As our economy increasingly moves from providing commodities to providing services to providing experiences, it is going to be increasingly important for leaders to be in touch with their customers and experience providers.

The next time you lace up your sneakers, take a good look around you and pick your teammates wisely. Remember, it's all about teamwork and scoring points -- just like at work.

Chuck Wielgus is the executive director of USA Swimming. He is also, along with Alexander Wolff, the co-author of The In-Your-Face Basketball Book and The Back-In-Your-Face Guide to Pick-Up Basketball.