The Volleyball Effect: Why Leaders Must Take Initiative

I remember back in gym class in elementary school, playing volleyball with my classmates. Every time the ball came flying toward our side of the net, something predictable (and frustrating) would happen: hesitation. No one wanted to fully commit, and as a result, two or three people would step forward at the same time, then freeze, unsure who should take the shot. The ball would fall—untouched—right between us.

Being a competitive person, this drove me crazy. I realized that if we were going to win, it was better to risk colliding with someone else while going for the ball than to just stand there and watch it drop. That’s when I decided I would be the one to take the initiative. I started calling for the ball, stepping up, and making sure we didn’t let another easy point slip away.

Now, many years later, I see the same thing play out in leadership. Too many people hesitate. They overthink, wait for someone else to step up, or hold back out of fear of making the wrong move. Meanwhile, opportunities slip away—just like that volleyball hitting the floor.

Great Leaders Go for the Ball

Leaders don’t wait for permission. They don’t sit back, hoping someone else will speak up. They step forward. They take action. They move first.

In a meeting, they voice the hard truths that need to be said.
During a presentation, they push through discomfort and deliver their message with confidence.
When a challenge arises, they don’t wait for someone else to solve it—they take ownership and find a way forward.
When opportunity knocks, they don’t hesitate, wondering if they’re “ready enough”—they go for it.

The truth is, leadership is not about certainty. It’s about courage. You won’t always know exactly what to do. You won’t always feel 100% prepared. But leaders move anyway in spite of their fears.

Risk the Collision

Yes, there will be times when you step forward and bump into someone else. You might have a disagreement. You might take a chance on an idea that doesn’t work. You might even fail. But that’s a far better outcome than doing nothing at all.

When leaders hesitate too much, nothing gets accomplished. Teams stall out. Innovation dies. Momentum fades. But when leaders step up—and they “go for the ball”—things start to happen.

Know When to Pass, But Never Just Watch

Now, does this mean you should always take control and never let others have a turn? Of course not. There’s a time to step back and let someone else shine. There’s a time to delegate and empower others to make the play. But even in those moments, you’re still engaged. You’re still calling out, making sure someone is in position. What you don’t do is stand frozen while the ball drops.

Leadership Is About Action

If you want to be a great leader, you have to be willing to go for it!

Speak up when others are silent.
Raise your hand for the tough assignments.
Push through discomfort and uncertainty.
Risk the occasional collision.

Because leadership isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about stepping up, taking action, and making sure that, on your watch, the ball never just falls to the floor.