Most folks over the age of 50 are still dusted with their grandparents’ or parents’ depression era “buck up and get things done because survival is paramount” attitude.
Concepts like feelings are laughable in the face of potential starvation, a very real possibility at one point in our forefathers’ history. Understandably, this informs an outlook that says how you “feel” about things is irrelevant, so get back to work and press on.
Subsequent generations, however, have a markedly different perspective. A life experience that often positions feelings as guiding principles.
I bring this up because a Meme is now circulating the interwebs depicting University of Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard consoling the sobbing player of an opposing team after UofM’s March Madness win over the University of Tennessee in the 2nd round of the ongoing NCAA Basketball Tournament.
Now, full disclosure… I’m a Michigan State University Alumni and possess a natural enmity toward our Collegiate Big Brother, Michigan.
Plus, I was in school at MSU at thoroughly disgusted (because they were so good) when Juwan Howard and the rest of UoM’s Fab 5 were making history as the first all freshmen starting lineup in modern NCAA basketball history. Suffice it to say, I’m no Juwan Howard fan.
Anyway, back to the story… Howard also recently grabbed headlines for an on-court scuffle following a loss to Big 10 Conference rival Purdue University. An argument erupted amid the “handshake line,” and Howard apparently struck (“bitch slapped,” really, however an un-PC term that might be, it’s apropos here) a member of the Purdue coaching staff.
Clearly not the behavior you’d expect or condone from a “leader of young men.” Fisticuffs over a basketball game from the coach is the last thing anyone wants to see from grownups.
Yet, in light of Howard taking an obviously hurting Tennessee player in his arms, it could be said that Howard’s passion, and dare I say empathy (considering I DESPISE leaning on uncontrolled emotional outbursts as an excuse for behaving badly), make him a strong coach and an effective leader.
I mean, how many times have coaches consoled sobbing players from opposing teams? Undoubtedly, it’s happened. But it’s by no means commonplace in the public eye. And seeing a father figure soothing an obviously distrust young man live on national television is a powerful image that demonstrates genuine empathy that’s sorely lacking from our collective discourse.
Viewing this through the lens of business and marketing… Most business owners look at employees, vendors, clients, prospects, and the like as assets that either produce or get tossed out with the trash.
Meanwhile, this is precisely the type of attitude that prompts quality employees to quit and find new jobs. It also motivates top-performing vendors to sever business relationships – Why work with businesses that demand impeccable service at bargain-basement rates all while giving you endless grief?
And when it comes to marketing… Existing clients most certainly want to feel like they’re cared for. That their feedback is heard, accepted, and appropriately considered. And that their concerns are prioritized.
Similarly, prospects are looking to work with businesses that view them as partners, whose voices are heard and taken into account—not seen merely as another potential income stream.
In short, while Juwan Howard is being trolled heavily in many circles at the moment (and however tempted I may be to join in), he’s delivered a valuable lesson…
Empathy matters – In basketball, marketing, business + life!