Raving Fans: Why your team needs them and how to be one

October 5th would've marked my grandmother's 99th birthday. Nana loved all Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Phillies. She attended Spring Training, watched every game (cutting stats out of the paper to mail me), and even got me Mike Schmidt's autograph for my birthday one year. Phils baseball was one of the many ways we connected - and a fandom legacy she passed down to my mom and me.

So, it was very fitting when I submitted my mom's name to KYW radio as "Phillies Fan of the Week" and they selected her, airing her interview just ahead of Saturday's Phils-Braves Game #1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS)!!!

You can read and hear her (~2 minute) interview here. Go ahead...you'll laugh and be glad you did. You'll also quickly see why everyone loves my mom and maybe, just maybe, where I get my "infectious energy."

Coincidentally, this "Fanness" video appeared on my "must watch" list the same week, followed a day later by the email below. Sometimes, the universe sends more than one signal. It made me wonder what it means to be a true fan (did "we" win (signaling fandom) or did "they" let a run in (signaling distance from the team)). It also made me reflect on who's support I need, and who could benefit from more of my support.

While I pride myself with original writing and always strive to bring you newsletters that are relevant, valuable, and thought-provoking, the below was done so well that it didn't require my edits or summary. Enjoy!

The following is from Admired Leadership Field Notes, October 7th edition:

"When people identify with a team or performer and feel deeply about their success, they become “fans.” Fans believe in others, and they show it. They cheer, applaud, clap, and shout to support the source of their affection.?

Unless they represent the fair-weather version, fans are loyal and root for those they admire no matter what the score or social acclaim. They show up, follow, and encourage, maintaining a tireless enthusiasm for their heroes. To broadcast their support, some even seek autographs or wear the uniforms of those they idolize.?

Home court or home-field advantage illustrates the power a stadium of fans can have on performance. The confidence and resolve performers and teams experience in the presence of numerous fans often carry the day. It is easier to overcome challenges and to gain momentum when others are enthusiastically cheering for our success.?

Everyone knows what it means to be a fan because they are one. We all have a team, athlete, or performer for whom we think so highly that we relish cheering them on to success.?

So, what happens when a leader becomes a whole-hearted fan of their team members? What occurs when a team feels like they have a home-field advantage created by a leader who is an unabashed fan??

The answer is?amazing things!?

Great leaders are great fans of those they lead. They would do anything for team members to succeed. Metaphorically, they cheer, clap, and applaud superior performance and stand ready to lend a hand to improve subpar performance.?

When team members know they have a leader who is a loyal fan rooting for their success, it puts a strong wind at their backs. They don’t have to worry about criticisms entering the mind of such a leader. That gives them the confidence to perform knowing they do so with unconditional support.?

Being a fan doesn’t mean leaders don’t hold others accountable or refrain from delivering a tough message. Good leaders can believe in people and cheer for their success, while at the same time focusing on subpar results and performance. The two ideas are only mutually exclusive to those who can’t separate optimism and reality. Leaders can be realistic while expecting the best from people in the future.?

When leaders become fans, they light the fire for great performance. Better yet, when treated like superstars, team members do everything in their power to reciprocate and make the leader’s job easier. Fans make the star and the star shines for its fans. What a great relationship."

??I recently heard a story that Phil Jackson, coach of the NBA Chicago Bulls from 1989-1998, would put a quote in the locker of every team member before the big game. Sometimes, they were motivational and inspirational, and other times, they were downright corny. When Michael Jordan recalls this pre-game ritual, he said the quotes made him feel "special." If the GOAT felt special receiving this random act of kindness and fandom, what impact might it have on your players?

?Let's go, Phillies!