Networking Through Sports
Have you ever been involved in a company sports event? A company softball team maybe? Today I had the pleasure of playing touch football with 8 other co-ops at my company. In addition to being really great for the body, I realized this activity is excellent for networking. Here’s three reasons why:
- Sports require teamwork - Most sports involve some sort of teamwork. You have to work together with others to accomplish your goal (which should always be winning). You’ll find yourself relying on people you barely know to come together and take a stab at defeating an opponent.
- Sports require knowing people’s names - Unless you’re content referring to people by shirt color, you’ll have to learn some names when playing a team sport. Whether it’s calling for the bounce pass or flagging that you’re open down the field, you’ll need to get someone’s attention. Yelling their name usually works.
- Sports provoke competition - Competition, good-hearted as it should be, will always be something that bonds people together for a common goal. No one ever wants to lose. Ever. Realizing this, you should realize just how strong the bonds can become with your teammates.
What do you think about company sports teams?