Win together, lose together. This phrase is most commonly used in sports, but it can also be referenced from a business standpoint. With the National Hockey League Playoffs underway, let’s compare how a hockey team is like an agency.
Teamwork: A hockey team consists of the head coach, assistant coaches, players, trainers, and many more positions that make up the organization. Each person plays a particular role in making sure the team and the organization succeed. The same goes for an agency. Each person on the team has a particular role that is an integral part of the company. The company has responsibilities and goals they want to achieve, and each employee is counted on to do their part and work together towards achieving these common goals.
Communication: Communication is a key aspect in hockey, especially for the players, who must communicate on the ice as they are playing, because time is of the essence in such a fast-paced game. Without talking to one another on the ice, they would not be able to make successful plays to come out on top. Communication is also essential to an agency. The team of employees must communicate daily to discuss plans for the week and to keep each other updated on their tasks and deliverables. Communicating in an agency is key for better team collaboration, and helps to drive better results for individuals, the team, and the clients.
Branding: When seeing a hockey logo and colors, most sports fans immediately know the team it represents. For example, the Boston Bruins have a spoked-B with black and yellow colors, and the Tampa Bay Lightning use blue and white with a lightning bolt symbol. Every team builds a strong brand, so that each year they can continue to acquire more talent, sponsors, and fans. An agency builds up their brand to establish a solid reputation and to stand out among the competition. Branding can attract new clients. Strong branding can also generate referral business because there is a positive impression of the company amongst clients and consumers. Branding also establishes word of mouth referrals and passes the positive perception on to potential new clients.
Lessons Learned: When a hockey team loses a game, they go back and assess what they might have done wrong. They may watch video from the game, work on new drills in practice, or even have a team discussion. Losing a game is like losing a new potential project. It is an opportunity to look back and see what you could do better, compiling lessons learned, and determining the best way forward. This is where an agency, like a hockey team, can go back and assess what the team can do better for the future.
Win Together, Lose Together: In hockey, everyone is part of a team. They win together and lose together. There is no room to put the blame on anyone during a loss, and everyone deserves to celebrate during a win. As an agency, you also win together and lose together. If the agency’s culture is based in teamwork, the agency can lift each other up regardless of the outcome.
There are many similarities between a hockey team and agency if the agency’s culture is based on teamwork. If you want to learn more about Just Flow Events & marketing and how we collaborate together and with clients, contact us today.
And best of luck next year to the Boston Bruins!
