The age-old idea of Tryouts can serve an important but enjoyable role in the workplace.
Absent the threat of being cut from the team, a tryout gets people’s juices flowing. The test of showcasing one’s skills in front of peers and leaders compels team members to bring their best game.
They practice, rehearse, and compete to display to everyone what they are capable of. Anyone who ever played on a sports team, acted in a play, or performed in a band during their school years remembers the elevated focus produced during tryouts. At the end of a tryout, the best performers stand out.
When designed without the possibility of being eliminated from the team or the need to rank anyone other than the top performers, tryouts can be both energizing and fun. As a team exercise, the ability to articulate organizational messages lends itself to this unique form of competition.
Being able to describe, explain, and persuade others about the key messages of the team and organization is a critical asset for everyone. Ideally, every team member should be able to recite the vision, values, and strategy of the team or organization in a compelling and persuasive way. Asking team members to prepare for a tryout to see who can craft the most cogent presentation for such messages can be highly engaging and entertaining.
Most of all, it makes people better.
Consider giving team members and leaders the assignment of explaining any of the key messages to the rest of the team in three minutes or less.
Ask everyone in the audience to give each presenter a score reflecting how clear and persuasive the message was. Identify and celebrate the highest-rated presenter. Consider capturing the performances on video so others in the organization can benefit from them.
After a dozen or more presentations, the entire team learns new and diverse ways of delivering the same message more persuasively. One thing is for sure. No one will forget the key message after the Tryout. Repetition is a powerful teacher.
Tryouts for touting messages heighten focus, alignment, and commitment. The mild pressure to perform well in front of others encourages everyone to practice and rehearse to be at their best. Are you ready for the Tryout?
