Definition
Vertical or horizontal back-and-forth communication within the organization, aimed at reaching common understanding and consensus.
In detail
Catchball is an internal communication method within an organization, using iterative vertical or horizontal dialogue to pass goals, plans, or problems back and forth between stakeholders, refining them until mutual understanding and consensus are reached. It addresses execution deviations caused by top-down one-way communication and poor bottom-up feedback. Unlike simple meetings or notifications, catchball emphasizes two-way interaction and iteration, where each participant is both a receiver and a sender. Its outputs are typically aligned plans, goals, or decisions, as well as team members' shared commitment to the results.
Example in practice
When setting annual business targets, senior management proposed a challenging growth target, but middle management felt resources were insufficient. Through the catchball process, senior and middle management engaged in multiple rounds of dialogue: middle management provided feedback on actual difficulties and resource needs, senior management adjusted targets or provided support, and ultimately both sides agreed on a target that was both challenging and achievable. This process avoided targets being unmet or poorly executed, and the resulting targets were recognized by all departments, who were willing to strive for them.