This conversation is not about flexibility – although, that’s an obvious application! Cirque du Soleil recruits the most amazing team of world-class athletes, gymnasts, acrobats, and creative artists. For a couple of hours each show, these women and men perform demonstrations of strength, flexibility, dexterity, and intense concentration that will completely blow your mind. (Poof) In a word, the shows are spectacular.
I submit to you that, if you watch closely, you’ll make a surprising and refreshing discovery. The Stars of the show also serve in supporting roles. One of the cast members will render the audience spellbound and speechless with her contortions and gymnastic performance. Then, the same lady helps spot the next group of guys that are bouncing around like madmen on the trampoline…or climbing poles barehanded. As soon as their act is done, the entire group handles the props and setup for the following phase of the show. It’s amazing. The spotlight and applause constantly shift from team member to team member. One guy takes a bow and immediately assumes a supportive role.
Your project team should adopt the same attitude. All team members should be willing to serve, not just shine in the spotlight. Everyone contributes…everyone takes turns cleaning up the conference room, crunching the numbers, emptying the trash, ordering the pizza, picking up the donuts and coffee. The Stars are not exempt.
Understand this – I’m a huge believer in playing to your strengths. (Marcus Buckingham) But, there are times when we should all pitch in and do the dirty work. Lead by example. Create a team spirit where all the members are willing to support the others. The results may be spectacular.