Two colleagues encouraged me to check out the Netflix documentary,?America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.?It wasn’t exactly on my watchlist, but here I am, calling a team huddle to recommend it to all of you. As a People & Culture leader, the 7-episode series fueled my passion for talent management. The documentary takes you through the rigorous journey of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) as they audition, train, and compete for a coveted spot on the team. The DCC’s winning spirit and the success of the franchise are fiercely rooted in their commitment to building the best high-performance squad of cheerleaders out there, both on and off the field.
- Iron Sharpens Iron:?Just like the NFL, the DCC recruits and breeds the best of the best every year. Imagine having to try out for your job annually? That is why keeping your game sharp is non-negotiable!
- No Replays, No Redo:?In sports, there’s no room for second chances. You either stay at the top of your game, or you find yourself watching from the sidelines.
- Culture is King (or, in this case, Queen):?The DCC’s culture is built through consistent traditions, relentless hard work, and a strong sense of belonging; powered and nurtured by an unbreakable bond.
- It’s All in the Details:? Whether at the top or bottom of the pyramid or perfecting a high kick – excellence is in the execution. Learning along the way is paramount to success and even the smallest slip-ups can cost the game.
- Rules, Rigor, and Raising the Bar:?Play and (cheer) to the letter and hold people accountable.? You can’t win without clear goals, expectations and guidelines.
- Bring Your A-Game Every Day:?Making the team is one thing; staying on it requires daily dedication and hard work. When everyone is playing at 100% it makes you better.
- Feedback is the Coach’s Playbook:?It’s better to give honest and direct feedback.? It is crucial to maintaining high standards and driving performance.
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:?A strong sense of belonging and team spirit can be the difference between winning and losing. Unity must be celebrated.
- Stick to the Playbook:?Once you find a strategy that works, keep executing it with precision.
- Love the Game:?When you’re passionate about what you do, the paycheck becomes secondary. This is more than a job it’s being part of a legacy.
- Would we rehire the same person if they had to re-interview at the end of the year?
- How would our day-to-day performance change if our jobs weren’t guaranteed?
- When recruiting are we finding the best talent, or just filling a vacancy?
- What’s our game plan to ensure that we are acquiring top-tier talent?
- Does our company have a culture that elevates greatness, strengthens teamwork, and empowers everyone to deliver their best?"?
- Are we motivating our team with constructive feedback and addressing issues when they arise?
- Do we hold our team to high standards and expectations that drive elite performance?
Watching?America’s Sweethearts?reinforced the importance and criticality of managing talent. As I return to my daily work, I’ll carry these insights with me and continue striving for greatness in our own teams. After all, champions are made through a relentless commitment to excellence.
National Accounts Director @ QuidelOrtho | Strategic Sales & Leadership | Public Speaking
1 个月Rita, I love this! No surprise that you took "mindless" television to the next level! Fun read, and I'll watch the final couple of episodes with a different outlook thanks to your insights ??
That documentary was incredibly engaging. What key takeaways from the team's dynamics and leadership approach do you think can be applied to a corporate setting?
President at Excalibur Consulting, Inc.
2 个月Great article Rita!