Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, for they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. –Marcel Proust
Our weekend down in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the Alabama-Georgia football game had all the earmarkings of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Family. Great friends. Good people. At the time, it was the “game of the century” (how fast things change!), pitting two of college football’s greatest teams and ultimate rivals in the first heavyweight game of the year! All the stars came out to see this glorious spectacle, and the entire sports-watching nation was glued to the legendary battle.
Beyond the actual football, the atmosphere surrounding the game was off the charts. Tuscaloosa exploded with pomp and pageantry, with bars such as Innisfree teeming with loyal fans and the campus abuzz with Gameday activities and revelers. And the electric energy in the moments leading up to the kickoff can only be described as magical. We were incredibly fortunate to have a front row to the madness, with the pre-game drills, a breathtaking fly-over, and a soul-rousing National Anthem taking place right before our widened eyes.
And what about the game itself? Oh that! A seesaw second-half battle complete with late-game heroics and unimaginably athletic plays. In the end, Alabama won in dramatic fashion, as we all dog-piled to celebrate the incredible victory. After a night of adrenaline-fueled hilarity, we settled into a subdued Sunday morning recap of the Saturday events. As we all recalled the incredible highlights of the day, I asked my son his favorite part of the experience.
“Actually, it was just hanging on the corner of the street outside the dive bar before the game.”
Huh?
Amidst a day of frameworthy moments, we had all gathered for a bit outside a non-descript bar on the corner of Red Drew and University. The bar itself was dingy, smoky, and forgettable. The furniture was flimsy and uncomfortable. But my son had picked up on something fascinating. It was a place we had all shared stories, caught up on each other’s lives, and laughed uncontrollably. In short, it was a place and time we had truly connected.
And so it begs two philosophical questions: What makes for an epic experience? Is it the experience itself or is it the people you share it with?
Appreciation for the People
In our work lives, we all strive for success and amazing experiences. Over-the-top awards dinners. Boondoggle trips with clients. Exotic team-bonding experiences. All of these should be enjoyed and cherished. Memories and motivation are partly fueled by unforgettable events. But we should never forget the importance of the people we share it with! Executives can spend millions of dollars on lavish events, but if they don’t have the right team in place, it will be a wasted effort. Teammates can enjoy great experiences with clients, but if they don’t appreciate one another, it will not lead to success. Sales leaders can get creative with motivational outings, but if everyone is a lone wolf, there will be no true connection or breakthroughs.
It is important to think outside the box and we have to provide opportunities to bond outside an office environment. It is critical to the culture. But the setting and the event should take a backseat to the people. A solid team who appreciate each other can bond over a simple game of bar bocce ball. Executives who value their leaders can express gratitude and promote teamwork over a simple fishing trip. Teammates can connect beyond work over a simple office putting competition. Forming a connection that fuels success doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant. If appreciation and the right chemistry are missing, no amount of pageantry will fix it.
Powering Through the Down Times
What does this have to do with resilience? Because in down times, the glitz and the glamour and boondoggles all fall by the wayside. The only thing we will have to rely on is each other. How will we get back on track? Will anyone care? If we have surrounded ourselves with good people who are invested in the collective success of the team, we will find strength in those connections. We will see a way forward through the encouragement and earnest advice of trusted colleagues. We will work harder and smarter because others have illuminated a path we could not see on our own. In the end, the people will be the experience.
The trip to Tuscaloosa also illustrates the reality that we can have both. Amazing experiences with valued and trusted people. That is the perfect storm and those times should be celebrated and appreciated. Who doesn’t love an epic event? But those same great times can be shared with great people in the humblest of settings. Even just standing down on the corner, out in the street.