Happy Eurovision 2025!
Whether you’re a Eurovision fanatic or just curious about this unique event there’s plenty of lessons to learn from it’s incredibly bold program. For me, having lived in the UK for a wedge of time, this truly unique event has always had a place in my heart.
Taking a step back to look at it from a different lens, I’ve pulled together 3 lessons from Eurovision that can enhance your negotiation capabilities:
1. Know what you stand for
Eurovision began as an experiment, with the EBU European Broadcasting Union coming together in 1956 to test if it was possible to hold a live, simultaneous transnational broadcast. It worked – promoting television watching, collaboration and original music.
Over the decades the competition has evolved but it’s always been about originality, innovation and centred in the truth that we can be ‘United By Music’.
FOR YOU:
When you think about negotiating for yourself, it’s important to know what you do and don’t stand for. Know how your values and beliefs shape your approach, and what defines the boundaries of those. In parallel, you should identify allies who share your vision to forge collaborations with and help you make bold moves and try new things.
2. Prepare for the spotlight moments
Eurovision performances are meticulously planned for maximum impact in limited time.
There’s a year to plan for this event, where the whole world will be watching. It’s all live, no lip synching allowed, so the preparation for each performer must be epic, in anticipation of challenges that may arise – such as nerves, tech issues, audience ‘surprises’, voice management, and more.
However, the pressure of the week would be significantly alleviated thanks to the effort they’ve poured into their preparation.
FOR YOU:
With an upcoming big negotiation moment – like budget approvals, team expansion, or your own advancement – thorough preparation will reduce the tension and pressure you feel in anticipation of the conversation.
But, ensure you have a balance of how prepared you are, versus how much you expect the unexpected, so you remain composed when these things arise. I mean who’d have thought Australia would be in Eurovision* – now that was unexpected!?!
*FYI we’re involved is because SBS is an Associate Member of the EBU, and has broadcast Eurovision every year since 1983 – and our enthusiasm was rewarded with an invitation to participate in 2015.
3. Boldly be yourself
Eurovision is all about originality – artists must deliver original music, and they typically deliver it with wildly noticeable performances.
Winners don’t blend in – they boldly stand out, spectacularly, and people notice – the audience is LARGER than the SuperBowl Half Time Show!!
FOR YOU:
In the business world it can often feel safer to conform, but embracing your uniqueness could be your greatest strength.
Ensure you use your unique perspective, opinions and leadership style to capture the attention of your team, clients or business leaders. Sharing your opinion, position or making a request with this kind of confidence will help you stand out as a leader.
Negotiating the moments that matter to you, can be like a Eurovision performance, it happens in real time where the stakes can be high.
Where having the conviction in what you’re asking for is fair and reasonable, where investing in your preparation will support you to build your confidence to boldly ask for what you want without fear.
What negotiation do you have coming up that you can embrace with a little more flare?
LET’S GO Go-Jo – Australia for the win!!
