Touching base is a communication tactic that involves contacting someone simply to maintain the relationship. The term implies a conversation that has no specific purpose or goal that is conducted just to be friendly. Touching base keeps the lines of communication open and may lead somewhere productive. The following are illustrative examples.
Management by walking around is a leadership technique that involves being highly visible to all staff. For example, an executive who stops by to talk to teams on an unscheduled and informal basis. Considered a good way to stay grounded in operational realities.
A job candidate who is waiting for a call from a prospective employer calls them to "touch base." They use the occasion to gently make it clear they have other offers and need an answer soon.
Overview: Touching Base
Type
Definition
A conversation that has no important goal that is conducted just to be friendly.
Etymology
An loose analogy to baseball. For example, a player who is leading off is in danger of being tagged out if they don't touch base.
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