Every year, high school dance teams across our state work hard, spending, in my crude calculation, approximately 200 hours in rehearsal for every minute of their performance, aiming to excel in competitions. For over 25 years, one team dominated the landscape, a supremely talented and beautifully performing powerhouse that left others trying desperately to keep up. This story isn’t just about dance; it’s about competition, focus, and transformation.
When my daughter began her senior year season of dance team, she entered a challenging environment. The long-standing champions cast a long shadow. It wasn't just about the medals; it was about breaking a record that felt unbreakable. Early on, our team experienced a mix of victories and setbacks. While some performances showed their potential, others left us questioning whether this was going to be a season like the others.
I vividly remember the words circulating among the team: “You know, 2nd place is actually first place.” This phrase, meant to lighten the mood, actually had the opposite effect. They were fixating on the performances of the other teams rather than refining their own skills. Instead of embracing their individuality, they focused on “beating them.” But personal growth comes from introspection, not comparison.
The transformation began when the dancers began to fixate on a new mantra: concentrate on your love for each other and feedback from past judges. There was less focus on current results and more on self-improvement. Coaches emphasized judges critiques, such as “You didn’t go all out in your performance.”
A remarkable transformation unfolded within the team. They embraced the details of their choreography and savored their love for each other as my daughter's senior year was coming to a close. With this renewed focus, they grew stronger and more determined. Whether intentional or not, this allowed the team to prioritize the only thing they had some level of control........themselves.
As the state competition approached, anticipation filled the air. The dancers radiated this newly developed determination, their "game faces" replacing past feelings of intimidation. They were not just performing; they were expressing.. When victory finally came, the energy was electric—their performance was nothing short of breathtaking, and as you have probably have figured out, my daughter’s team emerged as state champions.
This journey—filled with struggles and victories—teaches a lesson that goes beyond dance. In our careers, it’s all too easy to direct our energies to peers and competitors. We often find ourselves drowning in comparisons, losing sight of our goals. Instead of mimicking others’ successes, we should discover our unique paths.
As leaders, our focus must remain on our ultimate goal: serving our customers whether they are external or internal to our organization. When we concentrate solely on competition, we lose sight of our strengths. Getting caught up means that we might only achieve a tie rather than true success.
The key for growth is seeking feedback from those who matter—our customers. This mindset shift can feel uncomfortable. In so many of the leadership development programs I have facilitated over the years, emphasizing the importance of delivering value over fixating on competitors is a hard message to hear and typically generates, shall we say, vigorous disagreement and friction filled discussions.
In an environment filled with distractions, gaining clarity can feel daunting. It’s vital to focus on what truly matters in our journeys. Seeking coaching can help realign our priorities. Being around individuals who encourage a customer-focused approach can enhance our potential.
Reflecting on my daughter’s dance team journey reveals lessons that resonate in all areas of life.
In both our personal and professional lives, progress lies in shifting from comparison to valuing our unique strengths and connecting with customers.
While my daughter’s dance team story began in a high school competition, its lessons apply broadly. Victory isn’t solely about defeating a rival; it’s about discovering and maximizing our abilities. Whether you're a dancer, a business leader, or navigating personal pathways, remember: the journey to greatness starts with you.
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