Set the Tone: What Pickleball Teaches Us About Remote Work

Hey there, remote leaders and pickleball enthusiasts!

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—setting the tone. Whether you’re leading a remote team or just trying to survive yet another Zoom call, how you start matters. It’s not just about diving into tasks or slapping an agenda on the table; it’s about creating focus, clarity, and connection right from the get-go.

Here’s the thing: setting the tone is just as important in pickleball. Every game begins with a serve, and if that serve is sloppy or rushed, you’re already on the back foot. But nail a well-placed serve? Boom—you’ve got the upper hand and control of the game.

So, let’s dive into why setting the tone is such a game-changer—for both the pickleball court and the remote workspace.

Why Setting the Tone Matters

Picture this: You join a team call where no one really knows what’s going on. People talk over each other, the energy is low, and the vibe screams “chaos.” Sound familiar? Now think about a kickoff call where the leader starts with clear goals, a dash of enthusiasm, and maybe even a funny icebreaker. Totally different vibe, right?

The way you start sets the stage for everything that follows. It’s the same in pickleball. A strong, strategic serve forces your opponent to adapt to your game, while a careless one gives them the edge. In both cases, starting with purpose changes the momentum.

Let’s Take It to the Court: The Target Serve Drill

If you want to practice setting the tone (and improve your pickleball game while you’re at it), try this simple drill.

What It Teaches:

Precision, intentionality, and focus—all skills that make you a better leader, both on and off the court.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Set Up: Place a few targets on the opposite side of the court. These could be cones, chalk marks, or anything easy to spot.
2. Serve with Purpose: Take turns serving, aiming for the targets. Start with one until you’re consistent, then challenge yourself by rotating through all of them.
3. Track Progress: See how many targets you can hit out of 10 serves. Bonus points if you can do it under time pressure!
4. Reflect: After the drill, think about how your serve improved when you focused on a specific target. How can you bring that same clarity to your next meeting or project kickoff?

Bring It Back to Remote Work

Now let’s take what you’ve learned on the court and apply it to leading your team:

• Starting Projects: Just like a strong serve, start every project with a clear goal and direction. It helps your team feel grounded and confident.
• Running Meetings: Begin each meeting by setting the agenda and reminding everyone of the big picture. A little purpose goes a long way.
• Email Communication: Lead with clarity. A good subject line and a strong opening sentence can work wonders for keeping your team on the same page.

Why This Works

When you set the tone with intention, you’re not just leading—you’re creating momentum. You’re giving your team (or your pickleball partner) the confidence to step up and give their best.

Your Turn

Ready to step up your game? Whether you’re serving on the court or leading a virtual meeting, challenge yourself to start with purpose. And next time you’re practicing pickleball, give the Target Serve Drill a try. Who knows? You might just serve up a win—both for your game and your team.

Let me know how it goes. And remember: great leaders always start strong.

Here’s to leading and playing your best,

Dr. K.