When kids are learning to play basketball, there’s a tendency for them to crowd around the ball during play. One player holds the ball while nine other bodies are in close proximity.

At this age, if another player wants the ball, she gets as close as she can to the player who possesses it. The result is a clump of jerseys jammed on the court.

The thing to do — if you want a teammate to pass the ball to you — is to get open. To find a part of the court away from defenders, where the ball can be passed to you.

It’s somewhat counter-intuitive… to distance yourself from the object you want. But that’s the way it works: you’ve got to set yourself apart, and to present yourself as a safe option. A good pass.

I’m going somewhere with this, as you’ve probably guessed.

When we’re working with teammates, colleagues, and partners, there are times when we have to get open. When crowding close to the person on the critical path is not the best way to help the project. When instead, getting ourselves in order, away from distraction (and ready to accept a pass) is the most useful thing to do.