10 Business Lessons from the Batting Cage

The sun rises and sets on business practices that help build the foundation for an efficient organization. These lessons also serve as a guide for employees who have what it takes to innovate, resolve issues and remove challenges in the office.

Business lessons are the result of practicing our chosen craft and often set the tone for success. Check the tips below inspired by baseball.

10 Business Lessons from the Batting Cage

1. Bring the right equipment with you. Baseball players seek out the best bats. You can also make sure you have the best tools to help you succeed at work. This may include the right software, computer equipment and more.
2. Monitor your timing. Sometimes the best way to pitch new ideas is a matter of  good timing and approach with leadership. Learn the best time to meet with managers to discuss new ideas by communicating with their assistants, then schedule meetings during their best available time to actively listen to you.
3. Get your head in the game. Have you ever tried to hit the baseball in a batting cage but missed each one because you weren’t focused? Paying attention to your game (office goals) will help you get your mind “right-sized” to focus on your work. Once you pay attention to the needs of the business, you can begin to hit one or two goals out of the park.
4. Pay attention to the signs. A batting cage is similar to an office when it comes knowing the work environment. There are multiple rules of engagement and your goal is to find out what they are and use them to your advantage.
5. Take a different approach. Some people get an opportunity to step up to the plate and hit a home run at the office. There are many ways to lean into this effort and it helps to consider all of your options. Take some time to research to the best tactics to carry out your plan.
6. Recruit liked-minded allies. Some of the most successful baseball players are people who work with brilliant teammates. These are focused people who think about the team’s success over their individual gains and are humble when their team wins the game. It takes time to find like-minded allies and often they are outside of your own work group. Take the time to fill  your crew with innovators just like you.
7. Beware of the rising curve ball. Sometimes we have our mind so focused on work that we don’t see when a rising curve ball derails our best efforts. For example, you may want to start using a new standard operating procedure to help the team, but a new leadership team comes in and decides to create their own best practices for the office. What do you do? Get to know your colleagues, learn the work environment protocols, identify covert and overt players so you can have a better sense of the organization and its power players. Also, create a strategy that identifies ways to overcome barriers to success.
8. Slow pitches happen, too. It happens to everyone. We feel like we can progress quickly, and sometimes we get disappointed when success takes more time than expected. Just because it takes more time to reach your goal does not mean it is not worth the wait. Embrace the slow pitch and watch as you rise at the right time at the right place.
9. Don’t fear a strike out. Are you afraid of failure? We all have a little fear of missing an opportunity, losing a promotion to the competition or just getting stuck in a dead-end job. Instead of complaining to anyone in earshot about your problems, reuse that energy to move around the field so you can get a home run type of job.
10. Don’t send mixed signals to your team. Clear and concise communications is a struggle even for the most ardent business professional. It takes time and consideration to know how, when and what to say so that everyone on your team is on the right page. Also, take a moment to make sure the message is not misunderstood by asking your team if they have questions or comments by soliciting honest feedback.