For many, Eurovision is the marmite of the entertainment world. Known for outlandish outfits, energetic choreography, cheesy hits, and all the glitz and glamour, people either love it or hate it.

And with this year’s contest being held in Liverpool – the first time the UK has hosted in a quarter of a century – excitement is rapidly building. So now is the perfect time to look at the lessons that businesses can learn from Eurovision.

Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR, says, “On the face of things, Eurovision and business have little in common.  But after all the glitter has been swept up and the lights have gone down, there are several valuable lessons that business owners can take from the iconic song contest. Let’s take a look.

Don’t give up
“We’ve become hardened over the years, accustomed to that all-familiar, dreaded ‘nil points’. In fact, until last year, that very much summed up the UK’s Eurovision experience over the last couple of decades.

“Remember when James Newman famously received not a single point for his performance in the 2021 contest, placing us at the very bottom of the leaderboard? Did he take the result badly, be down on himself and give up singing? Not at all. Instead, when the results were announced, he took a swig of his beer and cheered, later saying ‘I want to focus on the positives of this amazing experience. I stood on a stage and sang to hundreds of millions of people with a song that I love and wrote.’

“This brings me to my point. We’d become used to losing. It was almost a running joke, with the prospect of a UK win (or even a single point) looking like a pipe dream. That was until Sam Ryder took to the stage last year, delivering a show-stopping performance. His incredible vocals and catchy song netted an impressive 466 points for the UK, putting us in second place behind only Ukraine.

“The message for business owners here is that it’s not uncommon to face obstacles in life, and at times it can feel that there is no hope. However, those who are truly successful have the ability to learn from setbacks, using them as a stepping stone for growth instead of a reason to quit. Focusing on lessons learned and positives rather than negatives, keeps you moving forward towards your goal.

Be inclusive
“If there’s one word to describe Eurovision it would be inclusive. The event embodies everything it means to be true to yourself, and it’s clear from the fabulous acts we’ve seen over the years that Eurovision creates role models the world over.

“In 2014 Conchita Wurst challenged gender stereotypes, wearing a ball gown and sporting a beard, while Dana International was the first openly transgender person to win back in 1998.

“It’s important for businesses to have visible role models, creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel comfortable being their authentic selves. Studies show that inclusive workplaces are 35% more likely to exceed median earnings in their industry and have higher levels of team innovation, performance, and engagement.

“Businesses that embrace difference and champion diversity, where people can express their personality and individuality, benefit from a more motivated and engaged workforce, with increased productivity and reduced turnover rates.

Be compassionate
“While the UK are hosting the 2023 event, Ukraine were the rightful winners of last year’s contest. Sadly, due the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, they were unable to host, so the UK stepped up. Organisers have vowed that the event will be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and tradition, in a show of solidarity and support from the UK.

“Compassion involves not just having concern for others, but also taking action to support them. As a manager, when you cultivate a culture of compassion and empathy towards your teams, they will be more inclined to collaborate and engage with you. There’s a common saying that you always get back more than what you put in, so showing genuine compassion and support – not just lip service – will always pay off.

Stand out from the crowd
“Eurovision is renowned for its catchy pop songs and soulful ballads. But Norway’s 2022 entry “Give that Wolf a Banana” brought something rather unexpected as Subwoolfer took to the stage dressed as wolves in suits. The performance was memorable for many reasons, finishing a very respectable 10th with 182 points.

“In a crowded market it’s always good to stand out from the crowd. Anything that distinguishes you from your peers can be beneficial for your business, demonstrating your pioneering spirit, forward thinking attitude and a willingness to carve out your own path. Staying ahead of the trend is exactly where every business should aspire to be.

Smile!
“One thing that stands out about Eurovision is the smiling faces. From the performers on stage, to the presenters doling out points in front of famous landmarks, and fans in the audience. Everyone is thrilled to be there. And all that dopamine really translates in the feel of the show.

“Creating a work environment that fosters a genuine sense of enjoyment significantly improves employee morale and job satisfaction. Moreover, contented employees tend to be more productive, collaborative, and have fewer absences. So, how can you do promote a positive culture in your workplace?

“One way is to promote communication and collaboration within your teams. Bringing people together with a common purpose, feeling supported and valued can help establish positive working relationships. Back this up by organizing team lunches and social events – this shows people that you care and helps foster a sense of team and belonging.

Be resilient
“Last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra are the epitome of resilience. Entering the contest despite the war raging in their country was a real demonstration of patriotism and defiance that resonated with Ukrainians and audiences around the globe. The Ukrainian coverage featured commentary from a bomb shelter and the lead singer of the group returned to fight for his country right after winning the contest.

“So what’s the takeaway for businesses here? Sometimes things get hard. We know this all too well. In the last few years we’ve dealt with a global pandemic, followed by a cost-of-living crisis.

“Successful businesses are characterised by their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain operational even during the most difficult times.

“So, there you have it. Whether you’ll be throwing a Eurovision party or doing your darnedest to avoid it on Saturday night, you can’t deny that Eurovision is a shining example of positivity, inclusivity, and resilience. And, given it’s hosted in my hometown this year, I’ll certainly be cheering the UK on… fingers crossed that Mae Muller gets to hear those famous words ‘12 points to the United Kingdom!’”