The Premier League season is now in full swing but can an interest in sports really help you secure your next executive job or even enhance your current career development prospects? A poll of bosses by management careers site TheLadders.co.uk has found that what team you support can help your career prospects, considerably.
The survey of 900 senior management employees from the UK's leading companies found that 54% believe supporting a common team with your peers and boss can help with career prospects, whilst nearly half (47%) think sharing a favourite team can open doors within a company.
Eighty-four percent of respondents in TheLadders.co.uk survey agree that football matches are a great conversation starter and way of getting noticed in the workplace, and by supporting the same team, 20% have themselves scored seats with the boss to match games.
When asked if they could be CEO and marketing manager for a day which football shirt they would pick to display their company name/logo, the corporate league champions came in at:
1. Manchester United 37%
2. Liverpool 20%
3. Chelsea 17%
4. Arsenal 16%
5. Manchester City 5%
However, of those surveyed, some also believe that supporting a team can hinder your career. Fifty eight percent agree that as a rival supporter you can become the butt of office jokes. Forty seven per cent reveal that you also become a rival to the boss if they support a different team.
According to Derek Pilcher, Managing Director of TheLadders.co.uk, "A healthy football interest can create good banter with your colleagues and peers. It is a good way for you to build interpersonal relationships. If the boss supports the same team, it is okay to discuss a bit but do be careful and don't overplay your game."
Pilcher continues: "Too much football discussion can cause distractions and reduce productivity. It's best to keep the banter to mornings or hallway run-ins but if you're overheard more than five minutes discussing one match, peers may think you are not serious about your career. Be careful not to let your team's performance affect your in-office behaviour and risk being penalised."
