As a kindergarten kid, I enjoyed school. When I tried to speak in English, recite a poem or make friends, my teachers championed me. If I faltered, they would tell me what to do different, if I succeeded, they pointed out all the efforts I made that led to a victory. It felt like I had a fan in them and that encouraged me to go that extra mile. I knew that my failures will not affect their fondness for me.
Then in first grade, I had to change schools. I was the new girl in class. Not only did I not have friends, but in this bigger school, I didn’t get the attention or encouragement I was used to. If I did something right, I got a “good” in my notebook. If I didn’t do so well, I would be one among the many in my class – ordinary, mediocre, indistinguishable. Striving and effort didn’t seem to matter. Only results did. Needless to say, I didn’t enjoy trying new things, exploring or striving unless success was guaranteed.
Decades later, I found a champion again in the form of a mentor when I started working. Once again, the spirit to strive revived. I took on many projects that challenged me and called for going above and beyond the call of duty. I thoroughly enjoyed my stretch assignments. Success thrilled me, so did failures because my mentor ensured that I learnt something new with every fall. He rooted for me, and I was eager to go that extra mile for him.
Recently while reading “Fanness” by an organisation called Admired Leadership, I reflected deeply about times when I joyfully challenged my limits. It brought home the insight – when people know someone is rooting for them, no matter what the result, they are inspired go that extra mile.
As leaders, it’s easy for us to appreciate and root for our team when things are going great. But the art is in being your team’s fan when the going gets tough. The video in the article says,” …because of the relationship that we have and because I am leading you, I am always rooting for you.” That opens a space for having difficult conversations and holding people accountable. Our feedback no matter how difficult, is no longer coming from a place of judgement. It comes from a place where we would do anything for our team to succeed including showing them a mirror. It’s coming from a place that we are always rooting for them, always clapping for them, always cheering for them.
That we are championing someone, need not be said in as many words. When people know that our deepest wish is to see them grow and thrive and we would do anything in our power to make that happen, they are inspired.
In any given situation, you only have to ask, “Am I a fan?”
Admired leadership
“Every situation presents a unique opportunity to show others that we are rooting for them and encouraging their success “, says the article and it goes on to list the below mentioned practical ways to show your team that you are their fan.
- Take the time to listen and engage.
- Find opportunities for others to learn & grow.
- Suggest “stretch” assignments that challenge others to explore their perceived limitations.
- Offer feedback and coach people up for performance.
- Show up and serve as a safety net when others stumble.
- Encourage others when they are down or discouraged.
- Get others involved in activities they desire to be a part of.
- Ask others to tag along, shadow or follow you to Take Part.
- Give others exposure to those who might help them.
- Patiently teach others how to overcome an obstacle.
- Trust others with a prize issue or responsibility.
- Give others the freedom to explore on their own.
- Include others in special moments.
- Share success and credit with others.
- Agree with others in front of their colleagues
“By mastering what it means to be a fan and a few behaviours of Fanness, anyone can become a more inspirational leader.”
Admired Leadership
Sources
Bridge to leadership 
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