To those of us who love the game, baseball is more than just a sport. It’s a way of life. A part of our language. A lens through which we view the world. And a training ground for valuable life lessons.

For example, when we ponder why it is that more Major League Baseball managers previously played catcher than any other position, the answers provide us with insights that we might apply to our own workplace. 

(Some of the key reasons, in case you were wondering: Catchers are uniquely positioned to see the whole field at once, giving them a singular, big-picture perspective; they are involved in every pitch of the game and need to always be strategically thinking a few steps ahead; they often act as the on-field general; they need to develop the technical skills, the communication skills, and the people skills to handle a pitching staff; and they need to be "on the ball" at all times. All of which trains them to begin to think and to act as a coach, a manager, and a leader.)

So, with that analogy in mind, you might ask yourself: What "catcher's skills" do I need to develop? And in what ways is what I'm doing today grooming me for tomorrow?

Continuing the baseball analogy, in the office you might need to consider such common questions as: Who on my team could I ask to "pinch run" for me when I'm too busy or unable to perform; when might I need to "sacrifice" for the good of the team; or when do I, perhaps, need some "relief" in terms of bringing in someone else to help seal the deal and "close" out the win?

When we have two strikes against us – whether on the field, at work, or in life – we need to have the wisdom to know when to bear down, choke up, and just try to make contact rather than swinging for the fences. To be able to recognize the difference between when we're needed to be the hero vs. when what's needed is for us to just find a way to get on base and let someone else drive us in.

Get ‘em on; get ‘em over; get ‘em in. That’s what it’s all about...in baseball, in business, and in life.

All in all, our great American pastime has, over the course of our lives, "coached" many of us to think about and get better at a wide range of life- and work-related skill sets including: time management, communication, innovation, strategic thinking, management, leadership, teamwork, and so much more -- all while enjoying some peanuts and Cracker Jacks (with the hope of finding a good prize inside!).

Both on the field and off, whether we realize it or not, baseball has become an inescapable part of our everyday language:

“Let’s touch base next week.”

“That marketing campaign was a home run.”

“The new guy is really on the ball.”

“Will you pinch hit for me at tomorrow’s meeting?”

“I really struck out with that proposal.”

“Can you give me a ballpark estimate of what it’s gonna cost?”

"That last-minute client request came out of left field."

“Your suggestion was a grand slam!”

So even if we don’t play professional baseball for a living, when challenged to "hit it out of the park" in our work or personal lives, baseball can serve as a powerful and inspirational metaphor.

So now, with Opening Day upon us, and with spring in the air, it’s a perfect time for reflection, renewal, and regeneration – and to think about how we might look to the baseball diamond for some answers. For those of you who may not have your own life coach or executive coach (let alone your own bench coach), we would like to suggest that you seek out some coaching wisdom from the ball field by pondering the following sampling of self-reflection questions from our coaching handbook, “What Would Your Baseball Ask?”

Before you slide head-first into answering these questions for yourself, take a moment to think about the personal and/or professional goals you're trying to reach and consider how, by exploring these questions from the various baseball-related perspectives, you can increase your odds of making it around the bases and scoring the winning run:

1. The “HOME PLATE” Perspective: What is your ultimate goal?

2. The “OUTFIELD FENCE” Perspective: What would “knocking it out of the park” look like for you?

3. The “FIRST BASE” Perspective: What is the first milestone you need to achieve?

4. The “BASEBALL BAT” Perspective: What tools do you need to get the job done?

5. The “PITCHING COACH” Perspective: Who can help you get ready?

6. The “BASEBALL MITT” Perspective: What opportunities might you be able to reach out and grab?

7. The “BASE LINE” Perspective: How will you know if you’re going in the right direction?

8. The “CATCHER’S MASK” Perspective: What realities do you need to face?

9. The “PINE TAR” Perspective: What are you going to do if you get in a sticky situation?”

10. The “BATTER’S BOX” Perspective: Where do you need to take a stand?

11. The “UMPIRE'S” Perspective: “What rules do you need to play by?”

12. The “SPIKES” Perspective: Where do you need more traction?

13. The “SECOND BASE” Perspective: How will you get yourself into scoring position?

14. The “HITTING COACH” Perspective: What adjustments do you need to make?

15. The “THIRD BASE COACH” Perspective: What signs do you need to pay attention to?

16. The “PITCHER’S MOUND” Perspective: Where could you use a new point of view?

17. The “THIRD BASE” Perspective: When you’re almost there…what do you need to do next to reach your goal?

18. The “BATTING GLOVES” Perspective: How are you going to get a grip on things?

19. The “BASEBALL CAP” Perspective: How do you keep your head in the game?

20. The “FANS” Perspective: “Who’s rooting for you?”

While there are plenty more where these came from (which ones that we didn't mention can YOU think of?), we hope that these few metaphorical questions from the baseball diamond have given you some valuable food for thought and helped you to focus your attention on some of the things that really matter.

With spring training now over, it’s time to get down to business with your eyes on the prize of a championship season...as you set off in pursuit of your own Field of Dreams, wherever or whatever that may be.

Play ball!