Skip to main content

Baseline then advice

Through the lens of children, we can learn so very much! So often, communications fall flat because a baseline is not established; in other words, if you are talking down to someone of knowledge, you will lose them right away and talk too far above their knowledge level. Both attempts at communication fail because of boredom, and it's impressive watching my children get bored within a few sentences when I haven't understood their baseline. 

The same is true with a group or a team of people. Human beings are very tribal, even in the work environment, so as a group, you must approach their baseline to nudge them in the direction you wish to move. An example is there may be a "leader" in the knowledge or skill that you are trying to work on amongst the group, and if you are not able to connect with that leader, the rest of the group will follow in the boredom. 

The book "Inner Game of Tennis" explains beautifully how we learn from our peers, watching, and doing. We may make slight improvements from our boss/coach telling us what to do, but in the end, we make the quantum leaps in improvement from watching our peers succeed and taking subconscious notes on their success, thereby implementing them into our practice. 

Once a baseline is established, the behavioral nudges come into play, creating trust in your coaching/bossing. A mutual understanding of what needs improvement is understood, and minor tweaks go a long way; trying to overhaul without a shared understanding of the need is called micromanaging. 

Clarifying goals and asperations go a long way in producing a baseline across a group. There will nearly always be a common ground to people's intentions. It is also crucial to highlight the differences in goals and values and bring them all full circle to the group's common ground. Highlighting how that tribe is different but with a common goal may nudge them to learn even more from each other, and there is no better way of learning. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Psychology of Money: A Personal Insight

Recently, I had an experience that reshaped my understanding of the psychology of money. I took over a property management job where part of my payment came in physical cash, money previously directed to someone else for this task.  Most tenants paid digitally or by check, but one unit always paid in cash. Having that "management" fee/ maintenance fee tangible, in my hand, ignited a unique perspective. It wasn’t about the amount, but the form in which it arrived.  Sure, I could take a full-time job earning in excess of $10K a month. However, that wouldn’t necessarily change my life as it would only take more of my time, the one resource I can't regenerate.  Surprisingly, the extra $1K in cash monthly had a more significant impact, not because it was a windfall, but because it made me more mindful of my earnings. The physicality of cash and the process of earning it manually introduced a sense of value and respect for my work that was somewhat abstract before.  This p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Elk Hunt - Shakespearean style

In Meeker's vale, where mountains touch the skies, An alfalfa field before us calmly lies. Two hundred fifty elk, a sight to glean, To move unseen a task, nigh unforeseen. Our guide named Hugh, and Father by my side, We hunker down, in quiet we abide. At last I spot him—five by five, the bull, Amidst his kin, the scene is nearly full. A hundred thirty-eight yards separates, My steady aim on destiny debates. For three long minutes, in my sight he stays, But cow elk guard him, blocking aim and gaze. I dare adjust—alert, they bark and flee, My chance arrives, as if by fate's decree. The cows disperse, the bull steps forth alone, My rifle speaks; its aim and end are known. Down falls the bull, as twilight fades from view, Amidst the field and mountains' varied hue. A tale to pass, from elder unto youth, Of patience, skill, and undying truth.
Post a Comment
Read more

Off-Ball Coaching: The Unsung Hero of Teamwork in Sports and Business

Introduction We all admire the quarterback who throws the winning touchdown or the CEO who nails the game-changing deal. But what about the unsung heroes—the players or associates who operate "off-ball," setting the stage for that crucial moment of glory? In both sports and corporate settings, off-ball coaching is an essential but often overlooked aspect of success. It's not just about the person with the ball (or in charge); it's about the invisible machinery of teamwork, communication, and leadership that makes the winning play possible. The Crucial Role of Off-Ball Communication in Sports Soccer: Anticipating and Planning In soccer, it's not just about the player who has the ball; it's also about the other ten players who are continuously positioning themselves, making runs, or calling out marks. They're planning two, three, or four steps ahead to ensure smooth execution. - **Takeaway**: Just as in business, anticipation and planning can streamline acti...
Post a Comment
Read more