How to pivot

A Change Lesson from Basketball

According to Dictionary.com, “pivot” used as a verb means “to modify (a business process, policy, opinion, service etc.) while retaining some continuity with its previous version”. In other words, pivoting is not fully letting go of your current position but modifying your position to allow for new opportunities to arise.

In many different sports pivoting is a key aspect of the game. Pivoting in sport is described as “a movement in which a player with the ball steps once or more in any direction with the same foot while the other foot (pivot foot) is kept at its point of contact with the floor”.

Both descriptions explain why pivoting is a way to not fully give up the current position or perspective but explore new perspectives by modifying your position slightly.

Pivoting can allow us to open-up to new opportunities balanced by our current position (our pivot foot, which in this context can include our knowledge, skills, experience etc.).

 

Why do we need to be able to pivot?

The way we’ve always done things (e.g. pre-COVID for example) might not work that well anymore or deliver the desired outcomes. We therefore need to open our minds to the possibility of redirecting our efforts and trying something different.

We as human-beings must be able to pivot in an ever-changing work environment and ever-changing world.

With COVID and our integration journey we’ve all learnt that change (and with that uncertainty) is becoming the new norm. Some of us are better at dealing with ongoing uncertainty than others- this is also referred to as resilience.

 

How do you practice pivoting?

In order to explain how to pivot in life, the “The Triple threat position” in basketball can serve as a great analogy. If you’re not experienced in pivoting, you might find yourself looking down at the ground and turning your back towards your opponent and your team, which will minimise your opportunity to pass the ball or for your team members to help you.

When we are challenged by change, it’s important to NOT let the uncertainty of ‘what’s next’ take over. We need to keep our head up and look for information and possibly the opportunity in the change to strengthen our current position and be able to seize the opportunity when it comes in reach.

Using the basketball analogy, please view the video here.

 

We can break pivoting down into five key things:

  • Keep your feet pointed ahead and shoulders straight (be confident)
  • Keep your back straight and mostly upright (have a strong back, refer to change article in edition 6)
  • Look up (not down like you fear your opponent) so you can see everything on the court clearly (open to learn and collaborate)
  • Pause for a moment, calm yourself and assess the situation (stay calm in challenging situations and absorb relevant information with an open mind)
  • You are ready to pass the ball or dribble (you’re ready to act)