The One Pickleball Rule You Can Apply At Work To Improve Team Communication

If you’ve spent any time on a pickleball court, you know there’s one rule that’s non-negotiable: always call out the score before you serve. It’s a simple habit, but it makes a world of difference in the game. Everyone knows where they stand, who’s serving, and what’s at stake. It’s a small step, but it keeps the game flowing smoothly and ensures everyone’s on the same page.

Now, imagine if we applied that same principle at work. What if, before diving into a meeting or starting a project, we took a moment to “call out the score”? Just like in pickleball, this small practice could have a huge impact on communication, alignment, and overall team success.

Why Calling Out the Score Matters in Pickleball

In pickleball, calling out the score isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical part of the game. Here’s why it matters:

Clarity: Everyone knows exactly what the score is and who’s serving. There’s no confusion or miscommunication, which means the game can continue without unnecessary interruptions.

Focus: When you hear the score, it immediately brings your attention back to the game. It’s a quick mental reset that helps you stay engaged and aware of what’s happening.

Fairness: Calling the score ensures that both teams agree on the current state of the game. It prevents disputes and keeps everything above board.

How This Translates to the Workplace

So, how can you take this simple pickleball rule and apply it to your work environment? The concept is straightforward: start every meeting, project, or conversation by “calling out the score.” Here’s what that looks like:

State the Purpose: Before you dive into the details, take a moment to clearly state the purpose of the meeting or task. Why are you here? What do you need to accomplish? This sets the tone and ensures everyone understands the goal.

Set Expectations: Just like knowing who’s serving in pickleball, make sure everyone knows their role and what’s expected of them. Are you looking for ideas, making a decision, or just providing updates? Clarify this upfront to avoid confusion.

Align on the Current State: Whether it’s the progress of a project or the status of a task, make sure everyone is on the same page about where things stand. This prevents misunderstandings and keeps the team moving in the right direction.

The Benefits of Calling Out the Score at Work

Incorporating this simple practice into your work routine can have a big impact on your team’s communication and productivity. Here’s how:

Improved Communication: Just like on the pickleball court, calling out the score at work ensures that everyone is informed and aligned. It reduces the risk of miscommunication and helps prevent costly mistakes.

Increased Focus: When you start a meeting or project by stating the purpose and current state, it brings everyone’s attention to the task at hand. It’s a quick way to get everyone focused and engaged.

Better Collaboration: When everyone knows what’s expected and where things stand, it’s easier to work together effectively. Clear communication fosters better teamwork and helps the group achieve its goals more efficiently.

How to Get Started

Ready to start “calling out the score” at work? Here are a few tips to help you implement this practice:

Make it a Habit: Just like in pickleball, consistency is key. Make it a habit to start every meeting or project with a quick “score update.”

Keep It Simple: You don’t need to overcomplicate it. A brief statement of purpose and a quick check on the current state are all it takes to get everyone aligned.

Encourage Participation: Get your team involved. Encourage them to ask questions or provide their own “score updates” to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Conclusion

Sometimes, the best ideas for improving team communication come from the most unexpected places—like a pickleball court. By adopting the simple practice of “calling out the score” at work, you can enhance clarity, focus, and collaboration within your team. So next time you’re about to start a meeting or kick off a project, take a cue from pickleball and make sure everyone knows the score.

Ready to serve up better communication at work? Start calling out the score today and see the difference it makes!

Dr. K.