Number One Fan

This is likely a tired story and you've all seen the 'dancing guy at Sasquatch music festival' video. If you haven't seen it, you can view it here but the general gist is that a guy is dancing all by himself and after a little bit of time, a lot more people join and it's just a huge party.

I'm not the first to see a lesson in the video around leadership and likely am not the last. I thought about it recently while thinking about the guy in the green shirt who is the first to dance along side. The first person to stand up and cheer and validate and come along side the guy who started it all.

While it's certainly difficult to lead, it's often just as difficult to stand up as the first cheerleader; to be the first fan. Often, the leader hasn't proven themselves or their idea. The idea is still 100% in their hands and while they may ask your input, it's outside what you can directly control. The number one fan takes on risk, as well.

But it's worth it to the leader. It's incredibly energizing to have someone else come along side you and agree and cheer you on. Not just passive support, but active and engaged and 'stand up and dance' kind of support gets the flywheel moving and brings momentum to the idea. Arguably more important is the impact it has on the overall group around you. It builds a collaborative attitude, draws ideas and creativity out of from those around you and makes something beautiful.

So while it's not a new thought, it's certainly a great reminder to seek out the 'crazy dancers' around you and find ways to act as their number one fan and their biggest cheerleader. See what kind of beautiful products, solutions to problems, market messages, or community activities come from simply seeking out the good things happening around you and cheering for them.

If your experience is anything like mine, the end result is far better than you'd expect. Some bumpiness along the road, to be sure, but a more exciting outcome.