Making execution simple

I’ve heard a phrase a lot recently at work, “See ball. Hit ball.” when referring to the level of simplicity we need to pursue in executing our work.

It’s almost comically simple. And I admit, I've wondered how it can possibly be that simple.

As a Milwaukee Brewer fan, still celebrating their first World Series Championship after being a fan my entire life, to me it seems like seeing the ball and hitting the ball, especially if Jacob Misiorowski is on the mound throwing in excess of 100 miles an hour, is REALLY hard!!!

The reality is that behind the scenes, there’s a tremendous amount of sophistication behind doing that well: scouting reports, pitch recognition, analytics, video, game planning, relationship building, setting and holding to standards, etc.

Once the hitter steps into the box or the Miz on the mound, all that complexity needs to disappear.

Their coach, Pat Murphy, has countless quotes that reinforce this idea of simplicity. Simplicity doesn’t mean the absence of strategy, but when it’s time to perform, does the person know what matters in that moment?

“Let’s play pitch-to-pitch in the now and see who wins.”

The Brewers knew how to do their job throughout the season resulting in 114 wins and a celebration that’s still going on days after their World Series clinching win!!!

So what’s the application to our lives? To me, it’s about seeking that level of clarity and simplicity, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get to that point.

If you are responsible for strategy or leadership, seek this level of simplicity but there are no shortcuts to get there - behind the scenes, ensure you absorb the complexity, do the work that’s necessary to gain clarity.

For the Brewers it may actually be - See ball, hit ball or when pitching, See target, hit target.

At work, we want people to be in a position to see opportunity and take action.

Do the work upstream so people can stay focused on the few things that matter downstream.

Learn in the flow of life

Jason

“Ueck I love you man, and we did it.” Christian Yelich