Friday, August 23, my husband and I headed to Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago to join some friends for a White Sox baseball game. When we walked through the ballpark security scanner, a ballpark greeter told us about the "I Love the 90's" postgame concert featuring Vanilla Ice, Rob Base and Tone Loc.
After the 12-4 loss against Oakland, the crowd seemed to be getting excited for the concert. Then, all of a sudden we heard loud boos being yelled.
Technical Issues' can lead to plans being changed
On the scoreboard was a message saying the concert was cancelled due to technical issues. For a minute, I was worried that the crowd would get angry and riot. Thankfully that didn't happen. We all calmly filed out and went on our merry ways.
Later that night, I searched online to see if there was information about why the "I Love the 90's" concert was cancelled. I was shocked to learn that a shooting had occurred during the fourth inning of the game in the left field bleachers. Two fans had been injured.
The game had carried on while the crime scene was being investigated. But the concert was cancelled. I am guessing Vanilla Ice, Rob Base and Tone Loc weren't too keen on playing a concert where a shooting had just taken place.
Hierarchy of Needs
If I had a hierarchy of needs pyramid for when I go to a professional baseball game, my most basic need would be to 'not get a shot by a gun.'
Seeing an 'I love the 90's' postgame concert would very much be the other extreme. It sounded awesome and I am sure it would have been. But it certainly is not something essential or something I expect.
For those who work at the Guaranteed Rate Field and in workplaces everywhere, I am sure 'not getting shot by a gun' is one of their most basic needs.
We want to feel safe when we are out and about, and especially at work, where we spend so much time.
My Learning Started Immediately
When I was in college, I worried about what life would be like when I was working in the real world as an engineer.
- What would the people I worked with be like?
- Would they be nice?
- Would I feel safe around them?
When I was 20 years old, I had a summer internship that helped me start answering those questions.
My internship was at a General Motors manufacturing plant that made catalytic converters.
I was given the assignment to manage the Receiving and Inspection department. The department was comprised of six workers, all of whom were older than my parents.
They knew, and I knew, they did not need me to supervise them.
I was scared, but my angst melted away quickly as our conversations started. We talked about my college, Marquette University. We also talked about their families and their vacation plans.
It is important to establish a connection with people as soon as possible. The connection becomes the foundation of the budding relationship. The foundation made it easier for me to determine quickly that these were nice men.
As the days and weeks wore on, these men patiently taught me about their jobs and how their work fit into the whole process of making catalytic converters.
I learned how important it is to have options when purchasing parts as sometimes they don't come as promised. I observed how my department members worked together and with those on the production line to solve problems in real-time in order to keep the manufacturing lines running.
Interns and Early Career Employees Need Help Learning
Interns and early career employees are eager to learn! Give them an experience like an apprenticeship where they can learn In Real Life business skills by seeing them in action.
In-person role modeling is critical.
Get them in the office and assigned to someone who can work shoulder-to-shoulder with them. When they experience how team members nimbly engage in verbal exchanges to surface issues and collaborate on solutions, they will pick up on the nuances that cannot be learned when working virtually.
We spend so much time at work and when we work together, especially in-person, we learn and grow.
Key Points
Joy and belonging start with meeting simple needs first—good company, shared purpose, and a seat in the sunshine.
Whether in ballparks or boardrooms, great leaders notice what people need to feel at ease before asking for their best.