By AKD Style Pro Michelle Gagnon
As the director of a SPIRIT squad, one perk is a
strong prevalence of positive attitudes and productive team members. Nevertheless,
girls will be girls, and we have all witnessed negative attitudes creeping up
when you least expect it. As the team director, how do you combat this type of
behavior before it begins? How can you improve a team’s dynamic and increase
effectiveness? This article introduces simple exercises that can help your
squad work together and create an extremely positive team experience.
MAINTAIN INTEGRITY
In order to command respect, a team director must earn
her position of authority based on previous experience, vast knowledge and
especially based on her positive attitude and behavior. Are you confident and
organized? Are you thoughtful and supportive? Your team will be witness to your
professionalism in all situations. You are probably thinking, “Michelle, no
matter how good I am, we still can’t find team unity!” I agree, problems will arise
no matter how hard a director tries to maintain a level of normalcy. Make notes
in your weekly and monthly activities that evaluate your attitude and behavior,
the team’s attitude and behavior, and how the two correlate.
Begin now by creating traditions to foster team
unity. One of my professional dance teams introduced the Big Sister - Little Sister
program. Veterans were paired up with rookies with the mission to guide new
team members throughout the year. From perfecting choreography, to helping them
understand game operations, to fulfilling team responsibilities, veterans stood
by their little sisters every step of the way. In another organization, we
designated Secret Pals which were revealed at the end of the year. Our duty was
to perform simple, uplifting acts for our secret pal, such as presenting
occasional surprises like a bottle of water at practice or sunblock for long
summer outdoor practices. These types of Buddy Programs promote good natured
support throughout the year by simply pairing up the ladies at the onset of the
season.
CELEBRATE DIFFERENCES
Equality among team members is important to stay unified.
Directors must promote the strengths of each and every squad member. Directors
who “play favorites” will find their team developing an unhealthy sense of
competition and even hatred toward team members. Instead, I encourage you to
constantly promote a feeling that each team member is special and has the
ability to contribute to the organization. It’s important to encourage everyone
– including yourself – to examine and improve upon her weaknesses. I am fond of
the Spider Web game, which allows each teammate to vocally acknowledge another
teammate. One person holds the end of yarn and says something positive about
another team member, then throws the yarn to her while still holding on to one
end. Then that team member does the same until every member has taken a g turn.
At the end of the exercise, the team visually sees that they are connected by
this web of positive traits that collectively make them a great team.
ACKNOWLEDGE SMALL ACHIEVEMENTS
Make a habit of providing positive recognition at
each practice and game. Consider noting a special award at each rehearsal, even
as simple as “Best Smile” or “Most Improved Jumps.” Remember that your team
members are asked to make a substantial commitment – attending rehearsals and games,
maintaining their uniforms, attending appearances – this can take a toll on
anyone, especially a young girl! One of my favorite traditions is my dance
studio end of year surprise party. The kids think they are attending another
boring rehearsal, then are greeted by smiling teachers with the studio decorated,
giving out treats and gifts, and taking time to watch a commemorative video.
Yet it’s important to note that a fabulous end of year party cannot make up for
a year absent from praise and acknowledgment. To truly encourage this attitude
it must be seamlessly integrated throughout your season.
CREATE A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
Team unity will increase when the squad accomplishes
tasks together. My director once surprised us with a scavenger hunt in place of
practice. At the onset of our usual eight-hour Saturday practice, we instead boarded
a bus to an oceanfront town. Place in small groups, we were handed a list of
tasks and asked to capture a group photograph at the completion of each task.
One task was challenging a man to push-ups in public. Another was walking
around with toilet paper stuck to our shoes until someone stopped to notify us.
This was one of the best times we had as a team and we had the photos to prove
it! We were reminded that we all have different personalities and opinions, yet
could work together to produce results. Instead of a scavenger hunt, consider taking
your team to volunteer for a charity or hosting a monthly team dinner at
different houses.
IN CONCLUSION
A director’s
responsibility goes beyond choreography, enforcing rules and creating a
schedule. I challenge you to constantly foster an environment of team unity –
before it’s too late! Make these activities a part of your annual schedule
instead of waiting to respond to signs of negativity. And remember, you are not
alone! At AKD we are here to support you in your role. Contact us for all of
your coaching and costuming needs at www.angelakingdesigns.com.
ABOUT MICHELLE GAGNON
Michelle Gagnon was a New England Patriots Cheerleader from 2000-2002, performing at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans. Michelle has a degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She continues to serve as the Coach and Choreographer of the university dance team. Previously she was the Coordinator and Assistant Choreographer of the Manchester Wolves Arena2Football Dance Team. She continues to instruct dance performance at Dance, Etc. studio and serves on the board of the Dance Visions Network as Stage Manager of the annual Nutcracker Suite performance. Michelle resides in New Hampshire near the Boston Metro area and will serve the Upper Northeast including states of New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut. Previous Style Pro in the Northeast Laura Eilers Clark remains on the Style Pro team for the Mid-Northeast.
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