One of the most-intriguing happenings in sports this past week took place in the NBA’s Developmental League.On Sunday – the day after the regular season ended – the top teams in the league actually got to select which opponents they wanted to play in the first round of the playoffs (an elimination game). The Colorado 14ers had the D-League’s best record so they picked their opponent from the bottom four playoff teams – Idaho, Erie, Dakota and Bakersfield. The second seeded Utah Flash was then allowed to choose its opponent.
The experimental new rule was used because rosters fluctuate so much in the D-League that those running the league feel teams’ win-loss records are not the best way to determine who should face off in the playoffs. Not sure if the rule is right or wrong, but it is certainly intriguing.
It does, however, remind me of one of the most useless questions asked to coaches and players in nearly every sport, almost every season. Here’s the scene:
Team A has already reached the playoffs or advanced in the playoffs and is awaiting the outcome of a game or series to see whether they will be playing Team B or Team C.
Broadcaster to Coach or Player on Team A: So do you have a preference of which team you would rather face – Team B or Team C?
Coach or Player on Team A: You know, we’re just happy to be here. Whether we play Team B or Team C, we just need to concentrate on what we do. They are both good teams and no matter who we play, it’s going to be a battle.
Sounds familiar, right? Unfortunately, it’s a waste of time – for the interviewer, the interviewee and the audience. The same question getting asked over and over with the same substance-lacking results. There is just no advantage for the coach or player to answer the question directly.
As humans, however, we are creatures of habit. In this instance, sports journalists – many of them qualified and capable – are so conditioned to the norms of the industry that they ask the question without even thinking twice about it. If they did give it some thought, they might put a different twist on it. They might ask the player or coach to match up Team B and Team C against one another or ask pointed questions about Team B and then Team C. Of course the coach or player will still be protective in his answers, but at least there is a chance for a bit of substance.
As children, we are told to think before we speak. But as adults, many of us seem to forget this simple rule. Actually, much of that has to do with the brilliance of the human mind. We become conditioned to shortcuts – relying on reacting without thinking because it saves us time and effort. Most of the time, we do this unconsciously.
Here’s a test. Over the next week, what do you find yourself conditioned to say?
- Do you find yourself wanting to speak in a meeting or conversation just because you feel you should say something – even though it won’t offer substance?
- Do you find yourself agreeing strongly with a statement even though you don’t actually feel that strongly about the subject or statement at all?
- Do you find yourself exaggerating the truth or gossiping about something you don’t know for a fact?
- Finally, do you find yourself saying “good bye,” “hello” or even “I love you” to a loved one without feeling it – or more importantly, showing him or her that you truly feel what you are saying?
These are all examples of us speaking before we think. As humans, we have become conditioned to do such. It is upon us to make a conscience decision to be different from the norm – to give those around us something better than the norm.
There is power in saying less. When you do, your words have more meaning. Think about it. No, seriously, think about it.
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