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The batter is ready . here's the pitch!
April 28, 2004
I just can't let a summer go by without reconnecting to my all-time favorite, love-of-my-life game, baseball. I'm not a big "fan" anymore, and I've never had season tickets. I have no idea which team is in first place, who's got the highest batting average, or who's pitched the most strikeouts. But I love the feel of the game. And I love the impact it's had in my life.
As a boy, baseball taught me teamwork and individual performance, courage and persistence, grace and beauty, concentration and quick decision-making. I learned to oil my baseball glove to keep it in supple condition so I could "feel" the ball that I was catching, to eat and drink right to keep my body in top playing form, to always be in the "ready" position, to pay attention to my coaches, to learn from others' mistakes, and to never make fun of anyone's error . because my turn would come, too!
In baseball, there's an expression called "waiting for your pitch." For the batter, that expression meant not swinging at the first pitch that comes to you where you "sort of" like it, but waiting until you get a pitch in the exact spot you want it . and then hit it with all your might!
In working with others, we can do the same thing. Anxious to help someone, fix or problem-solve for them, many of us "swing early," throwing out a lot of questions, offering solutions, or asking another question before the first one is fully answered.
Instead, ask a question, then sit back and wait. If the person stops talking, wait some more. Often, the person will resume and dive a little deeper into what they were talking about. On top of that, they will feel you have really listened (because you have!) and they'll likely come up with their own solution!
Eventually, you'll get your pitch, and you'll be able to make the "home run swing" that will be the most beneficial and have the most impact for that person. Batter up!
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