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When Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, was asked about his uninhibited enthusiasm for every guest on his show, Fallon happily responded,
“People come on my show to sell something. I know how much effort goes into [that thing]. For example, they do a movie that takes four months to shoot and two months to sell. So, I’m rooting for them.” Why does Fallon root for his guests?
Let’s dissect this simple but powerful way we champion others. “I’m rooting for you!” doesn’t mean we want or need the person to win. Instead, it communicates that we are in the proverbial stands, cheering them on, bearing witness to their performance. Rooting leaves the outcome open, eliminating the pressure of perfection and forgiving any failures. So, what sparks our desire to root for others? We are inclined to cheer for people who:
Interestingly, we don’t care if they demonstrate confidence, clarity, or even a plan. Instead, we prefer those in discovery, insatiably seeking advice, insights, and ideas. We look for people who act not with arrogance but with intention, moving forward in the face of fear. But there’s a secret to rooting for people: we must surrender our judgment. Why? Because it’s impossible to root for someone and simultaneously judge their journey. Our opinion about their project, passion, or path is irrelevant if we are committed to cheering. This impartiality underpins mentoring, making it a profoundly generous way to root for others. Mentors:
And they do so no matter the outcome. My niece is swimming in the state championships this weekend. I called to wish her luck, which suddenly felt silly. She doesn’t need luck – she’s been preparing for years. So, I quickly corrected myself, “I won’t be there, but I’m rooting for you!” She beamed because she knows I’m one of her biggest fans, in spite of, not because of, her success. © 2023. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved. |