If Mini Ballerinas Taught Business Seminars

My 6-year-old daughter recently joined a competitive dance program called Petite Company after begging for two years. Last year, I said no – primarily because I didn’t think she was ready, but also because I envisioned some sort of Toddlers & Tiaras scenario. As a former spelling bee champion and band nerd, that really wasn’t my thing. But, dance is her thing, and I figured it was better than being in front of the TV, so I relented.

I was not prepared for the life skills this would teach my child and how impressed I would be with these little people. The lessons in teamwork in that studio can (and should) be translated into the business world. So, I’ve decided I’m taking this show on the road. I’m going to figure out a way to get all 20 of them on the CIG payroll to teach business seminars on the subject. If little ballerinas taught a business workshop on teamwork, I think it would go something like this.

If you have a collective goal, work your tail off to accomplish it.
This is self-explanatory, but no one knows how to do it better than these young ones. With added rehearsals for an upcoming show, they train almost 10 hours a week with no complaints. Of course, this is on top of homework and school, and all of them are expected to get good grades or they can’t be part of the program. Work ethic is being instilled early, and slacking by any team member is not tolerated.

Work on projects you love or make the ones you don’t love fun.
Here is where I think every one of these kids is being deceived (Shhhh! Don’t tell them! They don’t know this is work). I think if you told them they were “working” four days a week, every single child would be out of there faster than you can say “jazz hands.” They’re there because they love it, and it shows in the way they work together.

Unwavering support is essential to a good team.
When Shyann (who is a little dance prodigy) gets a lead role in a number, there is no jealousy. The whole group is genuinely happy for her, and they know there is a place for every one of them in the dance. They also know if they want a bigger part, they should study her, figure out how she does it and work hard to develop the same skills.

Know one another’s strengths and weaknesses and use them for the appropriate project.
I call them ballerinas, but they train in ballet, tap, hip hop, lyrical, jazz and tumbling. Some of the kids have natural grace and can glide with ease in ballet. Others can shake their booties (my child) like no other in hip hop. There is a place for all of them to shine, and while they train in all the disciplines, they don’t force a natural booty-shaker to play the lead role in a ballet.

Every team needs a strong leader and decision-maker.
In this case, it is the phenomenal teachers who are firm but loving. These kids know the rules, and they know it doesn’t matter how naturally gifted you are, you will be kicked out if you don’t follow them. I can’t imagine what would happen if there was any chink in that armor. Kids can smell fear. It would be chaos.

No matter how big the mistake, smile and maybe no one will notice.
They smile through costume malfunctions, falls, trips and forgotten steps. They just keep smiling. I have no doubts that if they were in charge of a PowerPoint projector that just wouldn’t work during a huge presentation, they would smooth it over with grace and dignity.

There is very little that a rhinestone gun and some glitter can’t fix.
Okay, this one might not translate as well in the corporate world, but hey, have you tried it? Imagine if we gave every CEO or Project Manager a Bedazzler. Can you really tell me it wouldn’t make even the most hardened professional smile a little?

So, get ready for the workshop. I might call it Tiaras & Teamwork. Until then, I can’t wait to spend this year cheering every last one of them (not just my child) on in competitions and performances.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 11/24 at 08:25 AM

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