More Talk Now, Less Talk Later

I was listening to sports critic Frank Leboeuf analyze one of the recent World Cup soccer games.  On two key goals,  he explained, the defense failed at its job because of a lack of communication among the players (to tell each other where to go, who should cover who, and which gaps were emerging as the play unfolded).   Leboeuf lamented there was not enough communication during the play, and too much communication after the play.

What a great metaphor for many situations off the field!

How often do we grumble silently during the moment, then point fingers afterward, or complain to our friends.  Can you believe what so-and-so did?!

Or maybe we have a healthy debrief afterward, and share our thoughts constructively.  It's a step in the right direction and can lead to helpful learning. 

But if you have something to say, why wait for the moment to pass?  For most situations, the best time for communication is right away, while there's still time to act.