I’m not a football fan by any means, but the ability for 50,000 people to rally support and spur on 10 men to victory is compelling, let alone believe that they can do it.
Thinking a little smaller, remember The Hunt For Red Oktober ? That scene where the submarine crew break into song and the Russian anthem ? Here we have a business-like entity, workers heading in the same direction under the helm of one man and his management team but united and passionate under one banner.
So why can’t we do the same in business ?
Take a long look at your organisation and tell me it captures the same vibe and passion from the bottom up. That the 2,000 people in your office would rally behind the CEO and Board in the same way. So why is it that thousands of strangers can do this but you can’t ?
You have a Mission Statement. I’m sure it’s as bland as all the rest out there from the Mission Statement 101 website;
- “Be the No1 XYZ”,
- “Putting the Customer in the heart of what we do”
and other such nebulous hogwash.
Now, here’s a bit of a far out thought. Instead of a Statement, create an Anthem. Instead of a collection of randomly cobbled sentences, weave something that would summon passion from your workforce, the battle-cry of your business, something that would stir them up and give them purpose again. Uniting a workforce and getting them involved at the same time.
I’m not suggesting that the CEO belts out every morning in true X-Factor style (although stranger things have happened) but it’s not a giant leap of faith to create a buzz in your business by turning something bland into something powerful.
Set off a Mexican Wave from the Boardroom to the Mail Room, who knows where it will lead you….
