Have you ever considered who makes up your leadership cheerleading squad? Knowing who is on your squad and their role is critical to setting yourself up for success. This is especially vital when you have a growth opportunity (some might call it a setback or failure) or a win (big or small) that deserves a celebration. Below are some of my top tips for, not only recognizing your squad, but also welcoming them in during those times when you need to call upon their support.
Tip 1 – Find your go-to peeps
First, are your go-to peeps cheering you on or bringing you down? Unsure, consider starting with your favourite list-making tool. For me, it is still a little old-school pen and paper. Once you have your device of choice, begin brainstorming. Make two columns on who lifts you (cheerleader) and brings you down. Remember that cheerleaders want what’s best for you and may not always tell you what you want to hear – they are still your cheerleaders! Once you have your list, identify what area of your life (work/personal) they cheer the loudest so you can call upon them when that situation occurs.
In my case, I have many cheerleaders for different aspects of my life.
- Non-sugar coaters – Direct people leaders that I report(ed) to who will not sugarcoat my growth areas. I’m eternally grateful to them. I would not be where I am today were it not for them seeing my potential and cheering for my growth..
- Daily cheerleaders – I have amazing peers who cheer me on daily. Were it not for them, I’d not always be motivated to continue when things get stressful.
- Mentors/Coaches – I’ve had some fantastic mentors, coaches, and teachers who’ve cheered me on in various aspects and times in my career. I am sure more will continue to show up when I need them.
- Family – What can I say about family is that they show up as cheerleaders no matter what and have helped me be the leader I am today.
- Friends – While friends come and go over a lifetime, I have some pretty special ones who know me for me and cheer me on to live my true self in work and life.
Without my spouse and son, I would not be where I am, who I am, and what I will become. They are my biggest cheerleaders and my go-to when I need the truth or to brainstorm with self-compassion and positive self-talk.
As you can see, your cheerleading squad comes from many places, and may seem like they don’t interconnect, except they do – you connect them all. I will admit there have been additions and subtractions from my squad over the years when negativity becomes too much and starts impacting me as a leader. However, I thank them for their cheerleading and will remember the incredible lessons they taught me.
Tip 2 – Get comfortable asking for a bit of pep-talk when you need it
Do you know when you’re in dire need of a pep-talk from someone in your squad? I certainly do, typically after the fact, but it generally starts as a venting session, a clarification to an ask, or a brainstorming session. When I least expect it, I’ve gained confidence, my leadership mojo, and a pep in my step by having someone on my squad lift me up. What’s hard is knowing that’s what I need right away and asking for it. Why? Because it’s not a natural go-to activity for most of us to ask for a confidence boost around our growth or strengths. Just think about your annual performance review. The yearly review is all about what you do well and areas of improvement (aka growth opportunities). The annual review is designed to ask your direct leader for a healthy dose of cheerleader goodness – make sure you remember the support points as you move forward in your career.
One thing I do well is ask for feedback for growth. Sometimes, I might find the answers hard to digest, but I know it comes from someone on my squad who wants the best for me.
My challenge to you is to find an opportunity this week to seek out a pep-talk from someone on your squad – make sure you are purposeful when you engage your squad.
Tip 3 – Acknowledge your squad, thank them and pay it forward
Having a cheerleading squad is fantastic, but it’s essential to remember to say thank you and share the wisdom, techniques and time with others. Remember you are part of someone else’s squad, whether formal or not (e.g., mentoring relationship, direct leader, etc.). Paying it forward to those junior to you is critical for both their confidence and development and your continued growth.
I pay it forward daily in some small way, whether it’s an encouraging conversation during a mentoring session or reaching out to someone I think needs a boost or a growth conversation. I make the time in the name of being part of their leadership cheerleading squad.
My challenge to you is to find 2-3 opportunities to pay it forward this week and thank 2-3 people on your squad for being one of your cheerleaders.
Remember to tend to your leadership cheerleading squad by saying thank you! They have taken the time and energy to be in your corner and cheer you on.Showing gratitude is free to you but priceless to those who receive your thanks. Also, pay it forward – you never know how to change someone’s career trajectory just by being part of their squad.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of the series, where I focus on your leadership growth to be a better cheerleader to those you lead.
Missed Part 1 in the series, be sure to check it out – Self-Compassion and positive self-talk
Follow Penny on LinkedIn or checkout theizzyway.ca for more of her blog posts.