What The Washington Nationals can Teach Businesses about Culture

Marc Steren
Nov 1 · 2 min read

Totems: The Washington Nationals were struggling and one player in particular, Gerado Parra was looking for something to spark him and his team. His daughter loved the Baby Shark song so he played it prior to his next at bat. He got a hit.

Before you knew it, the entire team rallied around the theme. Base runners would signal baby shark signs with their fingers. Fans would dress up as Baby sharks. This is consistent with having “Totems” as suggested in the great book The Alter Ego Effect and to embed that totem into all facets of your organization as suggested in the wonderful marketing book Fusion: How Integrating Brand and Culture Powers the World’s Greatest Organizations.

Fun and Joy: It was clear that Nationals were having fun. Why do we do it if we can’t enjoy it? It was so much fun watching Adam Eaton and Howie Kendrick celebrating, mimicking a joy ride on the bench.

Leaders lead by supporting others: Jim Collins writes a lot about level 5 leaders. These leaders shine the light on others and support their employees. Max Scherzer is an amazing pitcher but what makes him special is the way he celebrates others. During game 6, when another pitcher was on the mound, there was no greater supporter of his teammates than Max Scherzer.

Belief: In 1954, Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile. Since then, there have been over 20,000 track athletes who have achieved the same feat, including some of my high school students. What changed? Belief. The belief in the possible. When the Nats were 19–31 they still believed. You can do it, just remember it can be done.

About the Author: Marc is a Speaker, Author, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Summer Launch Incubator at Georgetown University and Founding Director of Entrepreneurship at The Bullis School. His latest book, School Culture Fit was written in collaboration with Dr. Matt Trammell and is scheduled for release Spring 2020.

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