If you follow me, you know fall is my favorite time of year. And, more specifically, football season. I love the stories behind what makes teams great.
Right before Covid locked everything down in 2020, I had a chance to tour the Dallas Cowboys stadium. Our tour guide was passionate about the team and everyone in the organization. She pointed out small details that helped make each home game a great experience. And while she wasn’t one of the players on the team, she felt she was making a valuable contribution to the organization.
That reminded me of a very different situation. While facilitating a team strategy meeting, one participant admitted she didn’t see how her work contributed to the mission of the organization. While she felt she did a great job, she didn’t see the alignment to the mission.
When I look at football teams, the mission is to score touchdowns. Outscore the other teams and you end up winning the national championship. But teams can’t consistently score touchdowns unless everyone in the organization is doing their part. People need to see how they help “score touchdowns” even when they are not on the playing field.
Most people think the quarterbacks, receivers, and running backs are responsible for scoring. But I would argue these people are just as important in scoring touchdowns:
- The offensive line creates opportunities for others to score.
- The defense prevents the other team from scoring.
- The special teams get great field positions.
- The coaches see ways to capitalize on opportunities.
- The support staff makes sure the players stay hydrated during the game.
- The accounting department makes sure all the bills, and the players, are paid.
- The security makes sure everyone at the game stays safe.
- The tour guides help make the experience richer.
Take away any of these people and teams will be at a disadvantage.
Part of feeling valued by an organization is understanding the contribution you make towards the team’s success.
In the strategy meeting, other members of the team quickly offered how they saw the participant’s work indirectly contributing to their success. While she wasn’t “on the playing field scoring touchdowns,” she was making it possible for others to do so. And that work was truly valued and needed by the organization.
How are you helping each member of your team feel their worth in completing the mission of the team?