Communication Ace
by Stevie Scott, MS, ATC
In singles tennis, one player covers the entire court. In doubles, two players cover the same space together. Their success depends on communication. Partners constantly exchange information through words, body language, and positioning to stay one step ahead of the next volley.
The industrial workplace operates much the same way. When safety and productivity are at stake, effective communication helps teammates stay coordinated and avoid unforced errors.
Speaking the Same Language
Good communication isn’t about saying more. It’s about making sure the right message is understood. Assumptions have a way of turning simple tasks into unnecessary mistakes. An experienced employee says, “I’ll grab the pallet jack while you stage those by Line 4,” assuming everyone understands the terminology. To a new hire, “stage,” “Line 4,” or even “pallet jack” may be unfamiliar. The words make perfect sense to one person and very little to another.
That’s why onboarding is about more than learning the task. It’s about learning the language. Every workplace develops its own shorthand, acronyms, and routines over time.
Just as a new doubles partner needs time to learn tendencies, timing, and strategy, new employees need time to build that same rapport and develop a routine with coworkers.
The Ready Position
In doubles tennis, partners rely on body language to communicate throughout each point. In industrial settings where hearing protection, machinery, or distance make conversation difficult, non-verbal communication becomes just as important. When new employees join the team, take time to teach both the spoken “lingo” and the visual cues your department relies on. Those shared signals can help reduce confusion, production delays, and safety risks.
Just as tennis players begin each point in the ready position, teams should begin each task ready to communicate.
Keeping Our Eye On the Ball
In tennis, players are taught to watch the ball all the way through each shot. Losing focus for even a moment can turn a routine return into an unforced error. The same principle applies in the workplace. Stay visually engaged with the task from start to finish, and don’t assume the job is done until it actually is.
Good communication isn’t measured by what’s said. It’s measured by what’s understood. When everyone is speaking the same language, following the same game plan, and looking out for one another, mistakes become much harder to make.
Stevie Scott, MS, ATC || Stevie was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, where she graduated from UNLV. She moved to Southern California and began work in the occupational setting before obtaining her Master’s Degree in I/O Psychology. She has been an Injury Prevention Specialist with Work Right since June of 2024 and in the industrial setting for over 10 years. Her hobbies include live music, trying new restaurants, and relaxing at home with her rescue dog, Cali (chocolate Labrador).
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right!