It’s been eight years since the USA men’s soccer team has been in the World Cup, and to say that the excitement of fans is high would be an understatement. As USA lead their first match in Qatar against Wales, fans around the world were watching in their homes, offices, restaurants, bars, and more. My husband and I were watching from two different parts of the house while we were tackling our day-to-day tasks alongside. As Timothy Weah scored the first goal for Team USA in the 36th minute, we both shouted in excitement.
Now, we are soccer fans, so we have that going for us, but we’re also not the type of people to shout at the television if something doesn’t go our way. But there was something about Team USA that brought the next level of enthusiasm to our household. And then I had a thought … why can’t this passion and enthusiasm be evoked within the workplace?
Being a leader in any job can be difficult, but with the right attitude, that leader can affect each and every person around them. Just as the movie (my favorite) Remember the Titans states, “attitude reflects leadership,” we know that employees’ passion, excitement, motivation, attitudes and more, are all reflected in their leaders.
By definition, sports fans are enthusiastic devotees of sports. From clothing to sport-specific lingo, they've got it all and are ready to show it. Sports begin becoming the identity of the person and being a sports fan becomes part of who you are.
CEOs want the best people to work for their organizations. They want individuals who are not only good at what they do, but are also fans of the business. So, is it possible to have employees that are also diehard fans?
As we gear up to cheer Team USA on through the rest of the tournament in Qatar – check them out Saturday in their first knockout round match vs. Netherlands (WOO!) – let’s see how to find individuals who can be your biggest fans.
Being a sports fan is more than liking the team. Fans have passion about their team that goes beyond performance. They follow their favorite teams in and out of the season, through the good, the bad, and the ugly – they’re the brand ambassadors and advocators for their specific teams. The same goes for being a fan of work. It’s more than just liking the job you’re doing. Your employees need to:
- Believe in the mission. If the organizations mission is not constantly reinforced, you won’t be able to fake it and get people on board. Show your commitment, passion, and inspiration to the company.
- Be transparent. This is always key in any organization. Employees want to know what’s going on behind the scenes and know that they’re able to have a voice to hopefully make a difference within the organization going forward. When they’re heard, their commitment will become stronger.
- Make your organization feel like home. Knowing that they have a strong support system, employees will try new things without fear of failure and will be able to have the courage to stand up and do what’s best for their “own organization.”
- Remove all obstacles. Let your employees do what they were hired to. If you’re micromanaging then that person shouldn’t be within the position – or organization – as you need to focus on higher-ticket items. You’ll be surprised how much passion comes out when employees are left to their own vices, needing to complete a deadline on time. Plus, that passion and motivation will trickle down to their colleagues.
Now, as you’re preparing to up the ante for your employees, know that every effect on them can help your industry, as well. Consider your members and non-members the same – your fans. Marketing your association is all about getting the attention of your "fans," hence why you engage them with your products, services, and your number one fans (employees). When done successfully, your members and non-members are willing to go to great lengths to express their love for your association and the mission it serves.
In the past, the relationship between fans and their favorite sports team was essentially nonexistent. If they were lucky, they were able to get a picture with their favorite player or an autograph, but for the most part they just stood by their team with little notice. But now fans are closer to their teams than ever before. The same is for organizations, as well. The pandemic has brought us more together than we were ever before. From happy hours to interacting with employees in the office – or virtual – leaders need to realize that this is the integral process to boosting up their fan base. Start cheering on your employees and members alike. Let them know you’re there and that you – in fact – are their number one fan.
LET’S GO, USA!
