Holding Serve

One of my favorite expressions in sports comes from the world of tennis: holding serve. This means that the player who is serving wins the games where they serve, rather than losing those points to their opponent.

According to some tennis coaches I heard discussing this, the advantage of holding serve is that the player can strategize—they know how they’re going to serve and can anticipate their opponent’s likely responses.

I think this is a powerful metaphor for life as well. When we focus on what we can control, we tend to feel less anxious, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful about the future because we know what actions we’re going to take.

In leadership, this mindset is just as valuable. The most effective leaders focus their energy on what they can influence rather than wasting time worrying about external factors beyond their control. Here are three ways to apply this concept in a professional setting:

• Prioritize Controllable Factors: Identify what’s within your power—your decision-making, communication, and leadership approach. Don’t waste energy on external uncertainties.
• Adapt, but Don’t Overreact: Like a strong tennis player anticipating their opponent’s return, prepare for challenges without letting unexpected setbacks derail you. Stay flexible, but remain focused on your strategy.
• Empower Your Team to “Hold Serve”: Encourage your team to take ownership of their responsibilities and focus on what they can influence. This builds accountability, resilience, and proactive problem-solving.

By holding serve in leadership—focusing on what you can control—you set the tone for clarity, confidence, and sustained success. Where in your leadership can you apply this approach today?