Leaders as Cheerleaders? Not so fast!

Give me a L! Give me an E! Give me an A! Give me an D!

Did I tell you about the time I got into an argument with a cheer mom?

No? Well, let's save that for another time...

But I've spent more than a few hours in the cheer gym watching my daughter master summersaults, yell enthusiastic chants, and seeing her thrown up into the air, higher than made me feel comfortable.

As leaders, we all know the power of motivation and encouragement. Like a spirited cheerleader on the sidelines, we often play the role of driving enthusiasm, applauding successes, and keeping morale high. However, there are times when our cheerleading can cause more harm than good. So how do we recognize when to don the metaphorical pom-poms and when to set them aside?

It all has to do with clarity.

If your team is not fully clear on their path, if they're unsure of their expectations or the outcome of their efforts, your cheerleading can inadvertently spark anxiety instead of motivation. Imagine being in a dense fog, unsure of the direction, and someone is cheering you on to run faster. The cheerleading becomes a source of pressure rather than encouragement.

Cheerleading without clarity is like turning up the radio when you're lost. Instead of helping, it adds to the confusion and stress. When people are unclear about what's expected of them, cheerleading can create an environment where they feel they are merely expected to work harder, without understanding how their efforts contribute to the larger goal. This can lead to burnout, frustration, and decreased productivity.

So, when should we be cheerleaders as leaders?

It's when we've already set a clear path, clearly communicated expectations, and the team is aligned on the desired outcomes. In this environment, your cheerleading boosts morale, increases confidence, and serves as a catalyst for even greater effort.

Cheerleading, in this context, acts as a valuable reinforcement mechanism, underlining the importance of the tasks at hand, and acknowledging the efforts put in by the team members. It can foster a sense of unity, create a positive work environment, and drive your team to reach their shared goals.

So, the key is to ensure clarity and shared understanding before shifting into cheerleader mode. Here are some steps to achieve that:

1. Create Clear Goals: Ensure your team knows exactly what they are working towards. Align these goals with the larger objectives of the organization.
2. Set Expectations: Be explicit about what success looks like for each task or project. Everyone should know their roles, responsibilities, and how their contributions impact the overall goals.
3. Offer Guidance: Be available to your team for guidance and support. Help them understand the process and navigate any challenges they may face.
4. Communicate Constantly: Foster a culture of open communication. Encourage questions, discussions, and regular check-ins to ensure everyone remains on the same page.

Once these steps are in place, it's time to pick up your pom-poms and be the cheerleader your team needs. Remember, effective leadership isn't about a one-size-fits-all approach, it's about understanding the unique needs of your team and adapting your style to best support them.

Cheerleading can be a powerful tool in your leadership toolkit, but only when used at the right time and in the right way. Understanding when to cheerlead and when not to can make all the difference in driving your team's success.

If you're ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, make sure you check out our next cohort for Nine Minutes on Monday. It's starting soon and you can find details in my bio link.

#leadership #hr #SHRM