Blogging About Communication

Communicating effectively at work feels a lot like playing a game of catch. Whether you’re tossing a ball in your yard or sharing ideas in a meeting, success depends on focusing, working together, and keeping the ball moving.

Are Your Eyes on the Ball?

When playing catch, take your eyes off the ball, and you likely lose sight of it, bobbling the catch. Communicating in the workplace, works similarly. Listening closely to co-workers, clients, and higher-ups helps you understand what’s being said so you can respond appropriately. Projects move forward more smoothly when everyone pays attention.

Is the Ball Thrown Catchable?

A great catch partner doesn’t launch the ball into outer space. They throw it so the other person actually can catch it. At work, clear communication makes the difference. Instead of overwhelming colleagues with jargon, emails and texts, or confusing instructions, deliver messages that are easy to understand, making it likely others will receive the message as intended.

Do You Wait Before Throwing the Ball Back?

In catch, you don’t immediately throw the ball back before taking time to secure it. Likewise, in conversations, it’s helpful to fully comprehend what the other person is saying before responding. Taking a moment to process what you hear can help avoid misunderstandings and improve collaboration.

Do You Panic When You Drop the Ball?

Now and then, everyone misses a catch. It’s the same way in communication. Mistakes happen. What’s important is to respond with an apology, a clarification, or by following up. When you act to get things back on track, the game continues.

Action Plan

For one workday, pay attention to your “communication catches.” Each time, someone throws you the ball, sharing information with you:

1. Listen without interrupting.
2. Repeat back the main point in your own words.
3. Ask one clarifying question.
4. Then provide your response.

At day’s end, ask yourself: Did conversations feel smoother? Did I catch details I might have otherwise missed?