For Communication on an Equal Footing – Not Just for Agencies
27.3.2023
At first glance it is just a cliché: there is a table tennis table in our agency – just as there probably is in many other agencies in Germany and around the world. Much like the famous table football table, the table is often seen as a symbol of a very relaxed attitude to work and a “buddy-like atmosphere” in the creative industries. Its actual purpose as sports equipment literally falls under the table. That is regrettable, because communication professionals in particular can learn a great deal from table tennis.
Over the years, this has become increasingly clear to us. Our agency has a strong connection to this sport. Even the origin of the company can be traced back to it: the current management – we both played for rival clubs back then – got to know each other through the hobby. For 15 years we have been working with the table tennis record champions BORUSSIA DÜSSELDORF and its living legend Timo Boll. Recently we took part once again in BORUSSIA's round-the-table tournament – and came into contact with many interesting companies. The exchange during and alongside the game was great, simply priceless. It reminded us once more what table tennis can stand for as a metaphor in communication, namely fair and steady exchange on an equal footing. There is a lot we can learn from table tennis when it comes to communication. Six points are named here as examples.
Six Lessons from Playing at the Table.
“Anticipation is everything!”
Playing with foresight makes life easier for me. Preparing well before important conversations and appointments is half the battle. When we engage with the person opposite us and their concerns, we create a good basis on an interpersonal level and ensure an optimal start to the project.
“If you want to be really good, you have to keep training!”
To carry out a project successfully, I have to communicate constantly. That means: better to have one conversation too many than one too few. Through this “training”, both sides improve.
“Conflicts can be resolved fairly!”
It is not always sweetness and light. There are conflicts from time to time. But how do I resolve them? Table tennis teaches us: a hard and fast serve leads to a hard and fast response. But if I want to play together with the other person, I have to think about my style of play beforehand. A gentle serve from me and a calm return from the other side create fair communication.
“Cooperation instead of confrontation!”
If I want to enjoy working with the person opposite me in the long term, I adapt to them. I do the same with my training partners in table tennis. If I know their weaknesses, I can make a conscious decision: do I ruthlessly exploit the weaknesses? Or do I prefer to play cooperatively to enable long rallies? In the end, I get more out of that in training.
“Rules for everyone!”
In meetings, many people talk about the same thing, but often in a different “language”. This inevitably leads to misunderstandings. It is therefore always advisable to agree on the rules beforehand and settle on a particular format.
“Fun should never be neglected!”
Business is business and play is play? The boundaries do not always have to be drawn so strictly. Perhaps the next meeting could take place at a table tennis table? Sport and shared fun create a sense of connection. And communication runs by itself.