You know how my soccer enthusiasm took a detour after we traded the Pacific Northwest for Texas? The MLS scene down here just doesn't quite have the same electric energy as those Seattle Sounders games, and our lone trip to an FC Dallas game, while fun, didn't fully recapture that Seattle Sounders magic. You know, the roar of the crowd, the sea of Rave Green...
However, McKinney, where we've settled in, has a brand-new USL-2 League club: the McKinney Chupacabras. Apparently, the tryouts were open to anyone with a dream, which I found wonderfully democratic. My husband, bless his practical heart, declined my enthusiastic recruitment efforts, but we did end up snagging season tickets (three tickets and jerseys for $280? That's practically a steal!).
The Chupacabras are playing at a local stadium, teamed up with a local brewery for their own craft beer, and are generally promising a whole lot of fan engagement. So, the Parkers are officially back in the soccer game, and we're pretty excited about it.
Recently, I popped into the Chupacabras store in town, and the vibe was very "Ted Lasso." I walked in, and "Richmond till we die" was practically playing on a loop in my head. They've got a ton of Ted Lasso merchandise! My friend who was with me, shockingly, had never seen the show, which earned her some good-natured ribbing from the guy behind the counter. Naturally, we rectified that immediately with a binge-watching session. Fourth time through for me, and it's still pure gold. For those unfamiliar, "Ted Lasso" is about an unwaveringly optimistic American football coach hired to coach a struggling Premier League team in the UK. Beyond the humor and feel-good moments, it's a show with surprisingly profound themes of leadership, interpersonal relationships, and positive motivation.
One of my favorite characters, Dani Rojas, embodies this infectious enthusiasm with his mantra: "Football is life!"
This got me thinking: What if we brought that level of passion and purpose to risk management?
The Power of Purpose
Ted Lasso demonstrates how passion can drive a team to achieve seemingly impossible feats. He instills a sense of belief and shared purpose, even when facing relentless setbacks and negativity. Remember when he rallies the team after a particularly brutal loss? He consistently focuses on the bigger picture, not just the immediate defeat, reminding them of their collective potential. Similarly, risk management, at its core, serves a vital and often overlooked purpose: protecting an organization's mission, enabling strategic growth and innovation, and building unwavering trust with stakeholders. How do we tap into that as our driving force, rather than just viewing ourselves as compliance gatekeepers?
Finding Your "Why" in Risk
We often get bogged down in the tactical details, the regulations, the assessments. But what's your personal "why"? How do we get to that passion, that sense of ownership?
How do you connect your daily work, those spreadsheets and reports, to the organization's strategic goals and its ultimate success? Think of Ted's unwavering focus on AFC Richmond's long-term vision, beyond just winning each game. How do we, as risk managers, connect our sometimes-granular work to the organization's long-term vision?
How do you see risk management as a proactive force, enabling innovation and responsible growth, rather than just a reactive roadblock? Ted encourages his players to take calculated risks on the field, to try new plays, but within a framework of teamwork, strategy, and mutual support. How do we enable "good" risk-taking, the kind that drives progress?
How do you contribute to building unwavering stakeholder confidence, both internally and externally? Ted's honesty, transparency, and genuine care build trust with the team owner, the players, and even the often-hostile fans. How do we communicate risk effectively, clearly, and proactively to build confidence and credibility with our stakeholders?
How do you measure and celebrate the positive impact of your risk management efforts, rather than just focusing on avoiding negative outcomes? Ted tracks progress, celebrates small wins, and constantly reinforces the positive contributions of each player. How do we demonstrate the value of our work, both quantitatively and qualitatively?
Creating an Engaged Risk Culture
How do we translate this lofty purpose into tangible action within our teams and organizations?
Lead by Example: Leaders, at all levels, must embody a genuine commitment to risk-aware decision-making and unwavering ethical conduct. Think of Ted's unwavering integrity, even in the face of immense pressure and temptation. How do we, as risk leaders, model ethical behavior, accountability, and a proactive approach to risk?
Foster Ownership and Empowerment: We must empower employees at every level to identify, assess, and report risks, providing them with the necessary training, resources, and support. Like Ted's "Believe" sign, how do we instill confidence in our team's ability to not just identify but also effectively manage risk?
Recognize and Reward Proactive Behavior: Acknowledge and celebrate effective risk management practices, not just when disasters are averted, to reinforce positive behavior and create a sense of shared purpose. Ted's constant positive reinforcement is a powerful tool. How do we use positive recognition and encouragement to motivate our teams?
Promote Continuous Learning and Open Communication: We must cultivate a learning environment where open communication, constructive feedback, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures are the norm. Ted's insatiable curiosity and willingness to learn from his mistakes, even when they're painful, are crucial. How do we foster a learning mindset within our risk teams and across the organization?
If we can cultivate even a fraction of the passion, purpose, and unwavering belief that Ted Lasso inspires, we can significantly enhance our effectiveness, build stronger teams, and create more resilient organizations. Which is what I call "smells like potential!"
If you're facing challenges in getting your team excited about risk management or want to build a more purpose-driven approach, I'm here to help!
Comments