Superbowl XLIV is behind us…now what? For a vast majority of Americans, Superbowl Sunday is ranked in the top #5 events of the year. Fan hours dedicated to the sport run the gamut on the continuum ranging from the fan who has memorized every statistic in the history of the sport dating back to 388 BC when the Greeks and Romans played the game to those who simply watch the commercials and half time event.

As I cut to the chase this Monday, February 8, 2010, I am posing the question to all employees, career executives and unemployed…”Who is Cheering for You?”

Reflecting on trends in the workplace, not a week passed by when an employee would complain about leadership, equity, responsibility and so on. The classic victim is staring at me wide eyed and hoping to receive the proverbial “answers to the test” or “wrapped in a warm blanket” and coddled. “HR lady, please fix my problem!”

Music to my ears. An inroad to get on my soapbox to clear the fog and pitch an entirely new perspective on managing oneself. An opportunity to help save an employee from the darkness of becoming an unproductive statistic.

My response “I believe that you have all that you need to fix your problem. What is missing is your fan base. Who is your #1 fan?” More confusion, glazed eyes and a chuckle to ease the non-traditional HR response. Painful to listen as a pending lecture is on the horizon. rnrn“If you spend X number of hours a week following and cheering for your favorite team or athlete, who is offering YOU the same amount of attention?”

The lights now illuminated in the cranial attic! “I get it HR lady. You are right. I won’t give up my sports completely but I will diversify my time to cheer for me at least once a day. Thank you for help.”

“NEXT!”

Lesson: Become your own #1 fan each and every day. Make your family and friends your fan base and cheer for each other. When time is left, cheer for your sports teams. Remember…YOU are the most important person in your career!

Orlando Resume Services