When I was young and my Dad took me to a ballgame, we usually sat in those seats that were high above the action. In truth, they were too far from the action but we always had fun together in the process. In the old Buffalo Memorial Auditorium these seats were the orange, gray or blue seats. The gold and the red seats were close to the action. They were the seats someone else was always sitting in for the best games of the season.
My wife and I recently attended a play at our local community theater, where every seat is close to the stage. The venue offers a measure of charm driven by the style of architecture and craftsmanship of the building.
Before the play, the host introduced key members of the production crew to the small crowd for a round of applause and acknowledgment. We happened to sit behind, and near the Chorographer / Director. Once the play started and the lights were dimmed, I could not help noticing something about her. She was as animated as the actors, as the individual scenes took shape, moment by moment. Her expression mirrored the actors as the lines were delivered. Her body language responded to the actions of those that were on stage. When a line was delivered with perfection and when the crowd responded with favor there was an expression of joy and satisfaction that glowed outward. She was on stage with the actors. She felt the satisfaction that the actors felt. She experienced her own joy as she lived in the moment with her team of actors. She had the best seat in the house. We had the second best seat in the house. We were able to observe her connect with something special. My sense is not everyone makes this connection. When they do, it is unmistakable and unforgettable.
As a parent, we know what it is like to watch one of our children perform, try hard and succeed at some level. We never forget those moments. We relive them over and over, like a favorite song that we can not get enough of.
In business, we have a similar opportunity when we sit back and observe members of our team do what they do best. There are not many things better in a business setting, than witnessing a member of our team take the ball and run. In truth, watching others win is what makes business worth doing.
In years to come, it will be the moments when others around you win, that you will replay over and over.
Do your best to realize, that you have the best seat in the house reserved for you!
Great article John. I believe as business owners or team leaders we also have a responsibility to act in the position of “facilitators” whose function it is to pull information and solutions out of our team members (employees). When you can get team members directly and intimately involved in the “steps”, and their views are acknowledged and noted, they’ll take a more personal interest which creates a more harmonious and participatory environment. You’re absolutely correct, “watching others win” and have “buy-in” is hard to beat.