What Super Bowl Parties Can Teach Us About Coalitions

Pro-tips: What hot wings and your friend's couch can teach you about 'being that guy' at the party or at the meeting.

1. If you don't act right...

As many (including me) make our way to or host parties, I ponder on some of the common sense, unspoken rules within the pageantry of Game Day and think that it might actually offer some guidance to working in coalition.

Now, why can they teach us? Cause if you don't act right, you ain't getting invited next year. I guess we can start there, that's #1.

Once you develop a reputation as being that person, you'll find yourself off the invite list. Same goes in coalitions. And if and when that happens, don't say it's cause your game commentary is too good. It just don't work that way. No one likes to hang around a jerk.

2. Bring Something Anyways

Even if the host says 'Don't bother bringing anything!' consider doing so anyway.

Who wants to walk in empty handed? For sure you gonna eat right?

In coalitions often times it's a question overlooked by groups: what specific contribution is your organization bringing to the table?

What happens at Super Bowl parties where everyone just comes to eat and drink? Party's not gonna last that long. What happens in coalitions where people just show up with their shining personalities and organizational logos? Nothing.

3. Teams and Bragging Rights

Then there is the issue of teams. If you might possibly switch teams at halftime, don't bother buying a team jersey. Why waste your (or someone else's money?) And for sure don't be bragging at the end of the game like you knew what was gonna happen all along. We see you.

4. The Six-Packer

Don't be that person that comes in with a six pack of beer and tries to walk out with the one left over when you leave. Not a good look.

5. On Being the Host

If you're the host, or convening organization, there are particular responsibilities and privileges you do have. As host you reserve the right to uninvite those who don't play well with others. In fact, its your responsibility! Others are watching and waiting for you handle these types of problems. On the other hand, hey, you opened up your house to throw a party. Ease up a little.

6. On Being the Right Host

If you know your friend has already invited people over for the game, don't try and host another party. Bring your nachos over to their place. But, if you also happen to know they got a busted 5" inch TV or don't even like football, give them friendly nudge towards a better venue.

7. Sometimes, It's OK to Do it Your Way

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Sometimes, you're just real passionate about your team. Or you just want to do things your own damn way on Game Day. It's also completely cool to watch it alone. Super Bowl parties (and coalitions) are not required.

8. We're Not Here to Talk About Tennis, Ok?

If you don't love football, but want to come to the party, recognize we here to watch the Super Bowl. Your jam might be the US Open, and we just might love tennis, but that's not what we're here for. Ever felt like you had to or just wanted to say, '(X) issue is great..but..weren't we here to talk about (Y)?'

9. Question: What's the Point?

Ever been to a Super Bowl party without any actual football fans? Kinda boring. Have you ever been in a coalition without anyone actually impacted by it's mission? Kinda pointless.

10. Enjoy the Game and Have Fun!

Enjoy the game and have fun. Great halftime shows and hilarious commercials ain't ever hurt nobody. Sometimes the odds are not in our favor, and the outcome isn't what we hope for but there's always a chance. That's why we play the game. There's always a chance to win.

And, for the record: Seahawks.