Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
Because the CEO of FranchiseFilming.com and a NCAA Division 1 Soccer referee, I’ve come to comprehend how a lot each roles have formed me into who I’m right this moment. You would not assume that refereeing soccer video games and operating a seven-figure enterprise would have a lot in frequent, however the lessons I’ve discovered on the sphere have performed a large position in how I lead my staff and run my firm.
I have been refereeing since I used to be 13, officiating all the pieces from native youth video games to nationwide cups and televised NCAA match finals. I’ve had moments on the sphere the place I have been booed, yelled at, and compelled to make split-second choices that may change the course of the sport. However that is precisely the place I’ve discovered among the most essential management classes that I take advantage of each day at FranchiseFilming.com.
Listed below are a few of these classes, backed by actual experiences I’ve had in each refereeing and enterprise.
Keep calm within the warmth of the second
In soccer, particularly in high-stakes video games, the strain might be intense. Gamers are heated, coaches are yelling and followers are screaming. As a referee, I am anticipated to stay composed, it doesn’t matter what’s happening round me. If I lose my cool, everybody else will, too. That very same precept applies in enterprise. When issues get powerful, your staff is trying to you for stability.
I am going to always remember the day in 2016 when an worker challenged me in entrance of your entire staff. She requested me, “What do you even do all day?” — with an perspective that was disrespectful and unprofessional. I might have reacted with frustration, however I did not. As a substitute, I stayed calm, addressed it later in a one-on-one dialog and that worker in the end left the corporate. As soon as she was gone, the tradition improved dramatically. Staying calm throughout that second set a tone for my staff that I would not have interaction in negativity — and that is one thing I’ve carried with me ever since.
Associated: See The Entrepreneur 2024 Top Franchise Supplier List
What you permit units the usual
In soccer, if I do not cope with a reckless deal with early on, the remainder of the sport can spiral uncontrolled. Gamers push boundaries and, earlier than you realize it, issues get harmful. What I’ve realized as a pacesetter is that the identical factor occurs in enterprise. In the event you permit conduct that goes in opposition to your values, you are primarily telling your staff it is okay to do the identical.
I as soon as had an worker who refused to comply with our gown code or replace our processes. I let it slide as a result of he was gifted, however what I did not understand on the time was that I used to be setting a precedent for the remainder of the team. Earlier than lengthy, different workers began to disregard processes and insurance policies. It wasn’t till I lastly addressed it that issues received again on observe. As a pacesetter, you must be agency about what’s acceptable — as a result of what you permit units the usual for everybody else.
You do not have to be harsh to steer
One of many greatest misconceptions about leadership — and refereeing — is that it’s essential be powerful or aggressive to command respect. However I’ve discovered that is not the case. I do not scream at gamers or throw my weight round on the sphere. As a substitute, I attempt to construct rapport by speaking to gamers early within the sport, explaining my choices. It units the tone that I am approachable however agency.
In enterprise, I take the identical method. I’ve labored for bosses who would are available in late, excessive, and yell at their workers. It created a poisonous setting the place everybody mirrored that conduct. I promised myself I might by no means run my firm like that. You’ll be able to lead with empathy, kindness, and understanding, whereas nonetheless setting clear boundaries. You do not have to be impolite or dismissive to steer successfully.
Associated: Don’t Have Time to Start a Business? This Doctor, Lawyer and Now Part-Time Franchisee Would Disagree.
First impressions matter
I’ve at all times believed that the way you present up issues. After I’m refereeing an NCAA match, I present up in clear, professional attire. I greet the coaches with a smile and a handshake. It isn’t nearly wanting the half — it is about setting the tone from the very starting.
As a enterprise proprietor, I see first impressions as essential. If I do not deal with myself, how can I anticipate my staff to deal with our enterprise? I keep in form as a referee as a result of I imagine in main by instance. If a CEO cannot hold themselves healthy, how can they anticipate to maintain an organization wholesome? It is a small factor, but it surely’s about sending the best message from the second folks meet you.
Do not be afraid to make powerful choices
One of many hardest elements of refereeing is making choices that you realize can be unpopular, however which can be needed for the integrity of the sport. I’ve needed to make last-minute penalty calls in large, televised video games, and people choices aren’t straightforward. However management requires making powerful calls, even once they’re not the most well-liked ones.
In 2020, I needed to make one of many hardest choices of my enterprise profession. We have been doing weddings and B2B work, and I needed to flip away a $50,000 deal to completely area of interest down into franchising. It damage, however I knew it was the best determination for the long-term success of FranchiseFilming. If niching does not really feel just a little painful, you are in all probability probably not committing to it.
Associated: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked on the Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New ‘Hall of Fame’
It is okay to be improper
One of many greatest classes I’ve discovered as a referee is that it is okay to be wrong. There have been instances when my total crew has informed me I made the improper name, and I’ve needed to reverse my determination. It is humbling, but it surely’s additionally needed. Nobody will get it proper 100% of the time, and acknowledging that does not make you a weaker chief — it makes you a stronger one.
In enterprise, I’ve discovered that admitting after I’m improper creates a tradition the place my staff feels snug doing the identical. After I come clean with my mistakes, it reveals my staff that it is okay to make errors and that a very powerful factor is how we develop from them. Management is not about being excellent; it is about being human.
Associated: Learn the Secrets of Running 20+ Businesses as a Side Hustle — Finding and Nurturing Your ‘STIC People’
Your management units the tone
Refereeing has taught me a lot about leadership — classes that I apply each single day as a enterprise proprietor. From staying calm below strain to creating powerful choices and main with empathy, my experiences on the soccer discipline have formed the best way I run my firm.
Whether or not you are managing a soccer sport or main a enterprise, bear in mind this: the best way you lead units the tone for everybody round you. Lead with kindness, make the powerful calls, and do not be afraid to confess once you’re improper. Your team—and your corporation—can be stronger due to it.