Smile, Sparkle, Shine - Lessons from cheerleading, we can ALL benefit from

If you haven’t checked out Netflix's "Cheer," you should. While cheerleading has all types of stereotypes, this show is a story not just about cheerleading. It is about team work, determination, and accountability. It's really a blueprint on how to continuously win and achieve your goals.

As a former cheerleader I was moved by so many elements of the show. Regardless of your experience, or lack thereof, with the sport there are key learnings that everyone should keep top of mind.

On a cheer team everyone has a role, and they all matter.

Cheerleading is not like other sports, two superstars cannot carry a team to victory. Everyone has a specific role to play, and if they don’t “show up” the team cannot effectively execute. In cheerleading role clarity is clear. Match that with a coach who holds everyone accountable and you find success. The trophies show it. When people don’t fulfill their role they are removed from the mat and replaced.

You should look at your work team the same way. Whether you are supporting clients, ensuring product is delivered or selling, you matter. Others depend on you to be on your game so that everyone can win together. If you are unclear of your role, seek out the answer. Then, focus on being the best version of that role. Remember others are depending on you to win. It’s never just about you.

And managers, accountability and action is key. It is your number one responsibility to ensure you have the right people in the right role. You then set the goals and hold people accountable to achieving that goal.

You need to plan for the unexpected.

In the show, the coach makes the team do the routine 41 times “full out” to prepare for competition. This was building endurance as well as teaching the team how to properly prepare. What was also interesting was she had the team work through a host of situations that would probably never happen. This again ensured they were prepared for anything that could come their way.  Regardless of situation, on competition day, at the height of stress levels, the team knew how to make right decisions quickly.

Over preparation wins tournaments just as much as it does product launches and client meetings. 

The next time your team needs to deliver on something, play through the “what if” scenarios to be sure that you can respond with quality when the unexpected comes your way.

The system works, 14 championships don’t happen by luck. There is a process, there is practice, and as mentioned above, accountability.

You can’t afford to miss the “free points.”

In cheerleading things like formations and appearance are completely controllable. There are similar things at work. Be on time, be prepared and know your customers. It’s table stakes, the free points. It is as simple as that.

If you can’t get the basics right, how can you build trust, be strategic and be what your customers actually need you to be.

And finally, find someone to “mat talk” you.

Yes, that’s a thing. Do you have someone in your life encouraging you, especially during the hard times? If not, I’d highly recommend it. Everyone needs a reminder that they are awesome and unstoppable, especially in the middle of something challenging. We all need a Jerry! (I am telling you, watch the show!) ??

This show brought back just how much cheerleading has impacted my life. I have missed the stress and excitement on competition day, the camaraderie from the team and the focus on showing enthusiasm. I wrote this because it hit me that all these elements are still part of my daily life. My competitions may require less sparkle, but there is still a need to consistently be prepared and show up as my best self. My team provides me will all the support and learnings that one could ask for. And the enthusiasm…well, once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader ??