As I was slipping through another airport this week I began to think of the difference between a Fan and a Believer. Is there a difference or are they both the same thing? I say they are different.
Sara Grace and I are quite avid college basketball fans. Actually, let me rephrase that. We are average college basketball fans, yet Wildly Avid North Carolina Tarheel Basketball Fans. Well, I thought I was a fan. I am a Believer!! For example, recently Sara Grace and I assembled some friends to watch our tarheels in the Men's Final Four. Our team was down by a staggering 28 points in the first half. We were all shocked to say the least, I was freaked. However, I never stopped believing in a historical comeback. I stated that if we could trim the lead to a 9 point deficit, it would be like a tie game and we would win. I had belief. If you watched the game you know we rolled an awesome comeback, cutting the lead to 4. We lost the game, got bummed out and our emotions eventually trailed to belief for next year.
A fan has the tendency to throw a fit, damn the team, curse the coach and just be a huge wart to be around. The fan spreads negativity when losing and is annoyingly cocky when winning. They are operating in disbelief, not disillusion. I would rather be disillusioned yet still believe in the best.
I found that I a much more effective in the game of life, sport and business as a Believer. Being just a fan is not enough. Especially if you consider yourself a Leader. Your people and your organization desperately need believers - those who have an innate belief about the benefits of the future. When discouragement and hard times set in, their belief serves them and sets the mood state of the department, division or entire company. This "Believer Mood State" drives productivity, inspires people and overcomes more hurdles.
Fans cruise on and do well in good times, yet when the stink hits the fan, they point fingers, pull back and pollute the scene.
Are you a fan or a believer? How about your team? When looking for leaders, seek out the believers not the fans.
Comments