The Key to Good Communication: Try Not to Suck

It is no secret that I love the Cubs and right now—at least I hope by tomorrow—they have just clinched the first round of the playoffs and are on their way to win another World Series.

What I love most about the Cubs isn’t just watching great baseball. They are a great team and watching them work together under the leadership of Joe Maddon is the perfect example of how good communication and mutual respect leads to positive outcomes.

5 things we learn about good communication from Joe Maddon and the Cubs:

Don’t seek perfection: Perfection is an unrealistic goal and when our focus is on being perfect, it stops us from being present, prohibits us from learning from our mistakes, and actually elevates the opinions others have of us. A better motto? As Maddon would say, “Try not to suck.”

People first, ballplayers second: Often what people say is more about themselves than about you and while you don’t have to agree with them, you should always be kind and polite remembering that regardless of the person’s occupation, title or role they play in your life, they are a person with feelings and emotions.

Attitude is everything: As Maddon once said, “Don’t ever let the pressure exceed the pleasure.” Even in the most difficult of situations we need to find the good. How do you do this? Turn to gratitude. Take a minute or two to be thankful and appreciate what you have in the moment.

Avoid being the center of attention: This may seem counterintuitive, especially during negotiations, but if you turn the spotlight off of you and put it on others, you will begin to communicate in a way that moves you closer to a positive outcome. Consider how what you are saying will make the other person feel instead of how it makes you feel.

Never lose respect: It isn’t just about treating others with respect, but you should also respect yourself. Stay focused—and firm--on the issues being discussed instead of attacking someone personally. And remember, you don’t always need to engage—it’s okay to simply smile, nod, and give yourself some space before talking.