Hi Friend
This past week I spent three days in Atlanta speaking and hosting for the SHRM-ATL Conference. It was a true hybrid experience. Half the audience was in-person, the other half was watching through their screens. I had loads of fun as the Virtual MC. We figured out a way I could broadcast through my phone, so I was able to run around the whole venue and take the virtual audience with me into the exhibitor hall.
While I was there, an Atlanta Braves game was happening across the street in their new stadium. They were playing the Phillies. I don’t know anything about either of the teams, but I like watching a live baseball game. I got a seat in the upper deck and made my way. It wasn’t sold out, but it was full. You might recall I wrote about going to the White Sox/Yankees game when I was in Chicago in August?
This was not like that. It was weirdly almost the opposite of that game. Granted the players on the field played the same game, with the same rules, in the same way… so I don’t blame them for the difference. Though unfortunately the Braves/Phillies innings went by much quicker, with less excitement or suspense. There were substantially fewer foul balls and far less hits.
However, what made the encounter quite different were the fans! The Braves fans were the majority of attendees. Many of them wore braves shirts. Some of the kids brought their baseball mitts with them. They generally cheered when something went well. They were nice fans.
In comparison at the Sox/Yankees game, the crowd was 50/50 split between the teams. The Sox fans frequently started chanting “Yankees Suck, Yankees Suck, Yankees Suck” and the Yankees fans would reciprocate. Both sets of fans would yell at the umpire frequently. Heck, they would yell at individual players (on their own team). They cheered strongly when someone struck out. They boo’d often and loudly. Overall they were aggressive and fun!
The People make the Environment
The Environment makes the Experience
I’ve always heard certain teams fans regarded in some way uniquely them. Now I get it.
The idea of “fans reputation” is quite impressive. It speaks to the collective of individuals who share a love for their team and willingly verbalize it publicly. What compels such vigorous expression? Is there such a thing as a quiet fan? Can you be a fan and no one know?
When I think of fans, I lean more to music than to sports. I comprehend the alignment of identity, values and appreciation for those we possess fandom towards. Watching them do what they do so well, somehow simultaneously creates a fulfillment in us and an admiration for them. An invisible tether exists between us and them in a way that truly enhances our lives.
How peculiar is that?
A total stranger developed a talent over time and now is excellent. We love the end results of their labor and express that to them and others. Many wear clothing items (Jerseys, concert shirts) that non-verbally shout to the world “I’M A FAN!” It’s kind of silly. It’s kind of fun. It’s entirely entangled in our DNA. We see ourselves in them, whether we’re similar or not. Or we seize a characteristic from them and make it our own.
Fan Qualities
Loyalty
Exuberance
Defender
Advocate
Unified
Admiration
Not counting sports or rock stars, who in your everyday life are you a fan of? Who is a fan of you? It’s such an awkward idea, isn’t it? Unless you’re of the generation who functions in the “Influencer” world, most likely you don’t have fans who are strangers. However, in our personal and professional spheres shouldn’t we have people in our space who possess Fan Qualities? Shouldn’t we also have people around us whom we offer fanship?
Instigating Ideas
1. Ask someone who they’re a fan of and why?
2. How is your contribution in your environment making others experience better?
3. Who is your biggest fan?
4. What feelings emerge when you encounter the person or team of whom you’re a fan?
Fans get their composite reputation when they gather. Despite their individual differences, rallying around a singular visionsupersedes all their disparity. How great to find a purpose or team that can be so attractive it compels people to disregard varying dissimilar views?!
Something interesting occurred at the Sox/Yankees game. When a foul ball went into the stands regardless of who caught it, everyone cheered. Also, when people or couples were put on the big screen everyone cheered for them too. Finally, when different songs came on, everyone sang together. It was a beautiful demonstration of these opposing fans acknowledging the fundamental human experience of everyone at the game.
Friend, I’m a big fan of humans who govern their words, emotions and actions in such a way that honors others, even on opposing teams!