Years ago I was lucky to watch an ex-MLB player teaching Little-Leaguers some basic fielding skills.
That training stuck with me. Even today I notice when top pros sometimes fail to apply the technique.
Still further, I subsequently realized the profound metaphor, life lesson and business guidance this same coaching offered.
Perhaps this broad application was an unwitting result? Maybe the significance has long been understood? It’s hard to know with any certainty.
Either way, let me offer those same instructions, here.
When you’re playing baseball out in the field and the ball is hit in your direction:
- Immediately Assess: Direction, Movement and Distance
Where does it appear to be headed?
- Don’t Act Prematurely, continue Assessment
Never rush anywhere till the flight becomes sufficiently clear.
- Step Away Before you Move In
Always, first get on your heels or step back if there’s any chance it might go over your head.
- Charge Early, but only when it’s Surely Falling Short
Never let the ball get passed you, ever. A belated turn is always a disaster and even looks foolish.
- Recognize Quickly when Flight becomes certain
Only then commit 100%; continue tracking the ball and make the interception. Never take your eye off the ball.
Now, everywhere the word ball is used or implied (above), you can substitute the word Problem, or Issue, or Challenge.
The metaphor holds up strikingly well.
Do you have life and/or business problems headed your way? It’s invariably so. Then take a lesson from the big leagues and those privileged Little-Leaguers I saw being trained.
Assess every challenge thoroughly before you act. Don’t wait too long, but don’t rush in till you’re certain how to proceed and where to position.
And, if you need to keep backing up, start out in that direction so you might more readily retreat to the best place for intercepting the issue when you’re ready.
In closing, also notice this same guidance holds equally practical value if you’re playing any ball/court/field sport.
Here’s wishing you good luck addressing problems when the ball’s coming in your direction.
If you have any analogous wisdom or anecdotes to share Tweet me @IanRMackintosh or drop an email. I’d really like to hear your thoughts.
Ian R. Mackintosh is the author of Empower Your Inner Manager Twitter @ianrmackintosh