Regarde! Have you been dancing on the tables to “Jalla” by Antigoni from Cyprus? Joining Akylas from Greece to “Ferto” (“Bring It”)? Or maybe you’ve learned Danish to croon along with Søren Torpegaard Lund on “Før Vi Går Hjem” (“Before We Go Home”)? If this means nothing to you, you might not be familiar with the Eurovision Song Contest, an annual international competition which this year culminated in a final hosted by last year’s winner, Austria, in their capital city Vienna this past weekend.
Here at home, my 11-year-old daughter has been enjoying the competition’s winning song, Bangaranga, by Dara from Bulgaria – a dance song mixing styles from across the globe. Most Eurovision winners fade into obscurity, but you might be familiar with the 1974 winners from Sweden – ABBA, who won with Waterloo, and went on to international superstardom for decades to come, and whose songs are commonplace at weddings and grocery stores alike.
If you’re not familiar with the Eurovision Song Contest, you might be surprised to know this year was its 60th. Created in 1956, the contest was created to use new live-broadcasting technology to foster unity after the trauma of World War II by showcasing music and cultures from across Europe. Its reach has expanded in recent years, including countries such as Australia and Israel; the latter’s inclusion led to Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all boycotting this year’s contest. Russia was expelled in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine; the contest is certainly not immune to world events. At the same time, it’s a great example of Coopertition – “competitors” working across boundaries to create something for all to enjoy. A mosaic where each piece shines. The rising tide lifts all ships.
Growing up in the UK (which was a member of the European Union at the time), I was one of millions who would enjoy the cheesiness of the contest, but in this era of divisiveness, I have to wonder if we all need a little Eurovision. Wouldn’t it be nice to be part of something that builds some unity, creates some fun, and helps us get to know people from other cultures a little more? I must not be alone in thinking this – the first Eurovision Song Contest in Asia is due to take place in Bangkok in November. In this case, the “Euro” part of the name is less to do with location and more with ethos – and maybe we can take on the same ethos in our workplaces?
While a song contest might not be the best way to connect with other colleagues, teams, or organizations, I wonder what ideas you might have for bringing the Eurovision ethos to your workplace?
This Week’s Tip:
Consider how you can create a Eurovision ethos at work, and take the first steps this week. Perhaps you can reach out to your counterparts in other organizations to co-create an event or initiative that brings together people across organizations for something fun, creative, and uplifting. Consider who you have met from conferences and other networking to see who would be good to reach out to this week. Even within your own organization you might be able to create something to bring together a wide variety of teams. Each of you reading this will have a unique idea – I’d love to hear them! Send them my way; I’d love to support you in any way that would be helpful, and/or hear updates throughout the process!
Try this out this week, and let us know how it goes. I’d love to hear from you!
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