2468 Who Do You Appreciate?
JUST SHOW UP
Woody Allen once said “80% of success is showing up”. So, no matter what kind of “cheer-leader” you are, I’m sure you’ll agree that the act of “showing up” is what is most appreciated – a real and genuine interest in what they are up to and the effort you’ve made just to be there.
And I’m not just talking about kids sport. It could be music or theatre and it might not even be your kids you are supporting. Perhaps you have a partner you support or maybe you can recall an experience when someone was there to support you. Do you remember how much more special it made you feel?
AWARD WINNING SUPPORT
I’ve been fortunate (and worked hard) to achieve various awards in my life. One that I didn’t have to work on at all (and the one that I’m most proud of) was “Supporter of the Year” for my son’s hockey club. I was there at all the games and made a point to remember everyone’s name on the team so I could give my support to all the players, not just my own son. And I wasn’t just yelling “on ya”, but “great pass”, “fantastic run”, “brilliant teamwork”. It’s essential to recognise both the effort and the outcome.
CHEER-LEADING AT WORK?
Don’t save up all your cheers for the weekend sports match. One of the biggest leadership roles you play within your organisation (and indeed your life) is to be a cheerleader / supporter to ALL those around you. Maybe someone on your team has put in a huge effort to organise an event for your key clients. Every ounce of their energy and spirit has gone into putting this thing together; to make sure it runs flawlessly. Imagine how much they would appreciate it if you were there giving you’re support and encouragement, even if you’ve had nothing to do with it?
THE LITTLE BIG THINGS
Sometimes it’s important to step into others’ worlds. When your team members are staging an event, introducing a new product, interviewing a prospective team member, it’s probably one of the most important things going on in their life. At that moment, it means a lot to them and so does your encouragement.
It’s just like the kids on the sports field. To them, at that moment, they are the biggest sports stars in the world. It’s your job as a leader to be there; it says “I care” about what’s going on with you, “I understand” your world, “thankyou”.
The key to being a great “cheer-leader” is to credit the job they that’s been done and the greatness in the person. For example “great event and great initiative”, “great recruiting and great questioning skills” or “great report and great creativity”. Credit the external task but also what it is inside that person that led to such great work. Your comments will mean so much more if you not only acknowledge WHAT they did but also recognise WHO they are.
It can be so easy to get caught up in our own “stuff,” but remember, as leaders, we also need to be supporters. So next time someone in your life has something important going on, don’t forget to “show up” and be the biggest “cheer-leader” you can be.
Cheers
Paul Mitchell
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I took the time last night to quietly read your “Beating the Depression” newsletter. Wow… Such a great piece and an important reminder of the power of optimism...Very timely, with so much “bad” news and negativity around the place...it’s hard not to get caught up in the doom and gloom.
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