Three Unexpected Benefits from “Talking to the Duck”

In my role as the Digital Experience Strategy leader, I started working with a lot of new partners this year. At first, I spent hours explaining the context of the work ahead, sharing the intricacies of what we can do next together, and trying to align everyone on the vision. It was exhausting, and it felt like I was rehashing the same information over and over.

But one day, about six months ago, something shifted. I was venting my frustration to a partner, saying how tiring it was to repeat myself, when they stopped me and said, “You know, there are benefits to ‘talking to the duck.’” The phrase made me pause. “Talking to the duck” is a playful reference to saying things out loud to get clarity. It turns out this approach with my partners has three unexpected benefits that go beyond simple updates. Here’s what I learned:

1. Getting My Partners Truly Up to Speed

When I take the time to explain the context of the work ahead, what we can do next together, and share my thoughts on challenges, my partners gradually start to see the whole picture. Yes, it can feel repetitive, but the process of “talking to the duck” builds a foundational understanding that goes deeper than a one-time briefing. My partners begin to connect the dots for themselves, anticipate what’s needed, and can even make informed decisions without waiting for me to spell things out each time. This understanding means they can proactively suggest solutions or spot potential issues sooner.

It’s a bit like laying a complex map in front of them, one piece at a time. They start to see the landscape from a similar vantage point, and, with this shared understanding, they’re able to take more meaningful action when it matters most. The upfront investment pays off as things start falling into place naturally, saving us both time and effort in the long run.

2. Honing Our Ideas in Real-Time

There’s something almost magical about saying ideas out loud. In the act of explaining future plans and strategies, I often notice things I hadn’t considered or identify gaps in logic that weren’t obvious before. Having my partners there as active listeners or even as sounding boards helps me get outside of my own head. Their questions or simple reactions—even if it’s just a raised eyebrow—push me to refine and rethink aspects I might have overlooked.

This live feedback loop not only makes my ideas sharper but also gives my partners a chance to shape the plans as they develop. It’s not just me presenting a “finished” strategy; it’s a collaborative process where they’re involved from the start. By the time we’re ready to move forward, we’re not just aligned; we’re invested. Each person feels a sense of ownership, and that commitment makes our collective efforts stronger and more resilient.

3. Gaining New Perspectives and Filling Blind Spots

One of the most valuable, and surprising, benefits has been the way my partners bring fresh perspectives to the table. Often, they suggest ideas or considerations I never would have thought of. By involving them in these early stages, we’re able to catch blind spots or missed opportunities before they turn into roadblocks. Their unique insights and experiences become essential pieces that make our plans more well-rounded and versatile.

This back-and-forth exchange not only strengthens our project plans but also deepens our working relationships. The more I share, the more they understand not only what we’re trying to accomplish but why it matters. This connection fosters trust, which in turn makes them more comfortable offering honest feedback and new ideas. Over time, this dynamic has made us all more adaptable and prepared, able to handle challenges together in a way that simply wouldn’t be possible if I kept these thoughts to myself.

A Lesson in Embracing the Duck

Looking back, I now see the value in what once felt like frustrating repetition. “Talking to the duck” has become a core part of our process. It takes time and patience, but the payoffs are well worth it. So, if you find yourself explaining, re-explaining, and then explaining again—don’t get discouraged. Embrace the process, and you might just find unexpected benefits of your own.

Your comments: are you taking advantage of opportunities to “talk to the duck” at work? it’s time to appreciate those conversation and see it from a different light.   I look forward to your comment

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Lei