#771 three strikes

A friend of mine had a son who was in his first year of Little League.  In one of his first times up to bat, he was out on a called strike.

"He didn't even swing at the ball!" exclaimed his mother.  "How could he be out?"

The player did not understand why he was out either, not because he was arguing with the ref or thought the ball was outside the strike zone.  

He was out because the rules had changed from the level of play he was in during the previous summer.  In T-Ball, you can swing at the ball for as many times as it takes to hit it. In Rookie League, the coach pitches until you hit it.  A called strike is a concept for the bigger leagues, and was one that was not explained to the new players.

Does your organization have things like a called strike -- something the experienced people know but fail to explain to others?  Are there ways you can make the transition from one level to another easier for those who must do it?  Do rules and norms change depending upon the seniority of people?

We often take for granted that everyone knows "the way things are done around here", but in reality they do not.  Before you call someone out on metaphorical strikes, make sure you take the time to explain the expectations and highlight the rule books for the newcomers.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com