Stepping up to the plate

Smartmove mortgage and finance adviser Tom Morison says playing baseball helps you learn how to thrive in business

Stepping up to the plate

HAVING AN American dad, Tom Morison grew up with baseball as a highly favoured summer sport. He became a regular member of his local league.

From his teenage years until well into his early 20s, Morison played for the Manly Seasiders at a local level. He also competed in the NSW State Cup with the Manly Warringah side against teams from Cronulla, Penrith and the Central Coast, to name a few.

“For me, baseball combines an individual’s unique skill and talent, and that in turn contributes towards the wider team’s success,” says Smartmove’s mortgage and finance adviser.

“If each of your players possesses the same unique skill and talent, your team may not be as prosperous as those that are diverse in their abilities. It’s not always about the players who can hit the ball the farthest, throw the hardest pitch or run the fastest around the bases.”

He says the principle applies to brokers, especially in today’s constantly changing lending environment, because in order to thrive they need a team that can meet the various needs of customers.

As one of the senior members of his baseball crew and a mentor of new players, Morison says this role is “forever” helpful in developing his leadership and teamwork skills. He sees it as important to remain open to new techniques and feedback from his team about him.

While Morison plays in the local Northern Beaches league, he has not given up the idea of returning to a statelevel tournament when the right time comes.