June 13, 2008
I was watching my son's Charles County Youth League baseball game the other evening and was struck with what America's hometown sports shares with public relations. The examples of teamwork, consistency and communicating are vital in PR when it comes to making double plays, hitting curve balls or pitching stories.
Each person on the team is as important as the next. Whether you're one of the nine playing in the field, a relief pitcher or a bench warmer, as a team member your individual strengths are what help create a winning combination for the organization. Similarly in PR, each team member is valuable for the individual skills and talents she brings. While each person will not necessarily play every game, when you are called onto the field you need to be ready to perform. Always, always play your hardest and give your all.
Play by the rules
Sometimes your game is full of amazing plays that border on the spectacular. Other times your play is mundane. No matter which game you're playing, though, it's critical to remember the basics. Failing to play basic ball will sabotage your win every time. The same goes in PR. Know and undertand the principles of public relations, and remember to play by the rules. For a refresher on PR's basic rules, read the public relations code of ethics.
Persistence pays
Staying power is essential whether you're facing the pitcher at a full count or your team is down by four runs. The game isn't over until the ninth inning, so be consistent and persistent. It's interesting to realize that what makes one batter's average better than another's is simply and consistently having one or two more base hits out of each at-bat. No one bats a thousand. A batting average higher than .300 is considered excellent, yet the hitter is connecting less than half the time.
In PR not every pitch will sizzle nor will every swing hit its mark, but when you keep pitching and keep hitting, persistence will pay off as you get a feel for the environment, adapt and connect with success.
Watch for the signal
Communicating with your fellow ball players throughout the game is critical. That includes watching for the coach's signals in order to know if the next play will be a bunt or a hit to centerfield as well as cheering each other's good plays. With PR teams, it's important to share a project's communications plan with each other and to acknowledge each other's efforts.
Expect the bunt
Be prepared for the unexpected. The pitcher will have perfect pitches; others will miss the strike zone. As a batter, you need to be prepared for each one. By the same token, when a player gets injured, the coach has to be ready to move players or pull someone in from the bench. If everyone's properly trained, such surprises won't throw a curve at the team. In PR, this is known as crisis management.
It's a team effort
Lastly, an RBI scores runs just as well as a home run, so remember to value one as much as the other. "Root, root, root" for your home team as you take a moment to appreciate the players who are making a contribution towards your team's PR successes And don't forget to buy them some peanuts and Cracker Jack as you enjoy a seventh-inning stretch.
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