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.
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
