What Youth Sports Can Teach Us About Employee Engagement

I've written many articles where I draw parallels between the lessons we learn as parents / or stories that involve our children and how we can apply those lessons in the workplace. I also discuss this concept in my book, A Little Birdie Told Me.., and share examples of how to take these everyday life moments and relate them to situations we encounter as leaders in the business world.

Over the past few weeks, I've observed something incredible happen with my 11-year-old son, Dylan -- and his new teammates -- since joining a "12U" travel baseball team based in Margate, Fla., a town in Broward County about 15 miles north of where we live in Plantation. Dylan has always been a natural athlete and a good baseball player. But in his now-former league, which was plagued by a toxic culture fueled by egos, agendas, politics and the phenomenon known as "daddy ball" (those with children in youth sports may likely be nodding along if you've experienced this as well), Dylan was never truly given a chance to reach his full potential in an environment where he felt recognized for his contributions and valued for his performance. Nor was he given the chance to showcase his skills at positions where his talents and passions lie.

As a result, we decided to pursue other more competitive options and began looking into travel baseball programs throughout the county. What we've witnessed over the past month upon Dylan making this new team - the Margate Legacy - is nothing short of transformative. We've seen Dylan become more confident, passionate, and more excited than ever about baseball and this confidence and enthusiasm has of course spilled over into other aspects of his life - such as school and at home. Simply put, he's happier. He's thriving on and off the field.

So, what's changed? Is it all because he is finally getting a chance to pitch and play first base in baseball that all the sudden he is a different kid? Yes and no. That he is playing those positions is the output of the belief his new coaches -- John and Julio -- have in him, the trust they have placed in him, and the empowerment they've granted him to have the freedom to shine. And be himself.

Last night, Dylan was called into close the game as pitcher, entering with one out in the bottom of the last inning with the bases loaded -- a daunting task for a pitcher of any level. He got the first batter to fly out to third base before striking out the next batter on four pitches to end the game and seal the win. He was even awarded the game ball for his efforts -- on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 no less.

After the game, one of his coaches, Julio, told me that he loves that Dylan has a "raw confidence coupled with being able to back it up with performance. He's not a show-boater but what he is is sure of himself."

What Julio isn't necessarily aware of is that while I agree with the confidence part, I am not 100% certain that it is "raw" confidence. Rather, perhaps more of a byproduct of the positive environment he is now in which has led to this newfound self-assurance and belief in himself. In the few weeks he has been part of this team, I have had several conversations with the other parents, many of whom have shared similar sentiments. "So-and-so has never been happier playing baseball" or "He was ready to quit before he found this team," are some of the common themes. Thus making me realize, it is not a coincidence but rather the end result of an effective system in place and this is where the lesson comes into play.

When we create an environment where people can thrive, when we show someone - a child, employee, colleague, or even friend -- that we believe in them, it can do wonders for their confidence and engagement. So, then, the takeaway is, if you want to help someone reach their potential and see your organization reap the rewards as well, it comes down to this:

1. Recognize your people for their inherent strengths, talents and skills.
2. Put them in situations where they can maximize these strengths, hone them and develop them further.
3. Give them the space to grow and challenge themselves to get better. And give them the tools and resources to do so as well.
4. Put your trust in them to deliver when tasked with a specific project and empower them to be their true self. If they make mistakes, guide them. Not every at-bat will be a home run, but even a strike out provides an opportunity for encouragement.
5. And finally, show them your true belief in their abilities which will inspire them and give them the confidence to accomplish more than they ever thought possible.

When you do, you will not only see these individuals benefit, but the entire team, department, or organization as a whole will as well. Give this a shot, because, as Babe Ruth once said, "Don’t let the fear of striking out get in your way."