Why are the people of Seattle so excited and what should that tell you about your company?

From the last game with the 49ers, to the match up between the only two states to legalize marijuana provide a huge number of topic ideas for almost anyone writing a blog.  Today, I want to talk about the impact of common vision, 12^th man. 

Why the 12^th Man? …. because anyone whose job is to lead a company, or part of one, has to figure out what is the lesson of the 12^th man or be doomed to  stalling out.  Our country and the American culture has experienced consistent negativism/fear for the last generation.  We are depleted and now focus on the negative.  The 12^th Man is creating a culture shift in Seattle and it is wonderful, positive and may continue beyond the Super Bowl (win or lose). 

As I traveled around Seattle, over the last few weeks, the number 12 is everywhere… I mean, everywhere!  The Seattle Metro area has over 3.5 million people. Of those 3.5 million people, only a little more than 50 have an opportunity to actually do something on the field that will create a win.  Only about 70,000 (total) will sit in the stands and perhaps some of those will provide energy and noise level that may impact the outcome. 

Yet, here we sit in Seattle smiling at our neighbors, actually letting drivers pull in to our lane (yes I have witnessed and experienced this, and if you live in Seattle, you know that is a pretty big deal.  Seattle drivers are consistently selfish and will actually speed up to keep others from entering their lane, getting ahead of them).  In short, some large portion of that 3.5 million people are identifying with and connecting to the Seahawks, being a part of the 12^th man. 

Are all those people who identify as the 12^th man, football fanatics? I would suggest it is simply about feeling connected, a part of something positive and exciting. 

I believe that the 12^th man is about dreaming. What is the dream? 

Do most of us (outside of the 50 or so who will actually play the game) think we are professional football players?  Most of us are not and we know it and a large number are not consistent football fans.  So what is it what we identify with and what is the vision to which we are connecting?

When a positive idea captures us and we climb on board, it is for ourselves.  We are social animals.  We have a powerful need to be with the group.  So, in the midst of divisive culture and fear (politics, religion, weather reports), here is something that is uplifting and connecting. 

You and I can be a part of the 12^th man.  We can feel noble and a part of something greater than ourselves.  We seek leaders and identify for ourselves.  We take action whether to put a 12^th man flag on our house, car or office  because it means that we belong to that tribe/group who are doing something with passion.  It, the dream, is bigger than ourselves.  It is positive/gives meaning to our lives and it means we are identifying with those around us. 

So, if you get out of bed and are excited to get to work… that’s great!  Who else do you inspire?  To whom do you communicate about why your job, company, work are so all fired important and exciting?  If you don’t do share your vision/dreams it is unlikely that you will create a shared dream and without a shared dream, it is likely that, at some point you will stall. 

What do you do to find, retain and work with people who love the same dream as you?