Be Someone’s Fan

So here is an extension of the idea of connection, kindness and empathy, something that can be both inspirational and motivational for most people and something we can all do with one another and the boys. It starts with a story around a moment in Tiger Wood’s career and it does not really matter if you like golf or not, I think you must agree that there is something unusual and special happening right in this moment, have a look….

How long did that ball sit on the cup? Perfect moment for Nike, logo loud and proud, must have made them millions right there. Technically the ball had stopped, it was not moving, then it dropped. Apparently, for those in the know, one of the greatest golf shots in history. Golf commentators there at the time said the noise was deafening, and when the ball got closer to the hole, the ground literally shook, they said they could feel it in their knees. They wrote that the only way that ball made the last revolution was because every fan there on the day wanted it to go in, they gave the moment momentum.

And so, what? So, here are what I think are some common truths. We all lead, and we all have opportunities to influence the lives of others. As leaders we also can care for, support, motivate and inspire. That moment in 2005 represents a universal leadership truth. While members of the Science Department will dispute this, the fans gave that ball the momentum to drop; their energy, enthusiasm, desire, support, and determination created a tangible force, they wanted success for another.

Every human being wants acknowledgement, respect, recognition, admiration, and someone rooting for them. They want them to say and do things that indicate that they are a fan. Most of us can be positive here and there, but the successful leaders are fans all the time, consistently, even when things are difficult, and you do not agree.

Not all fans of course are necessarily balanced or positive, some football teams spring to mind. But being someone’s fan in this context starts with recognising, and engaging, acknowledging, and giving credit, encouraging, and supporting. So, if you get a genuine opportunity, be someone’s fan, tell them, and then keep reinforcing why.

(based on ideas shared by Randall Stutman)