TWHS#076: One From The Cheerleaders. A Bit of B.A.T

This week I`m coming at you from Florida.  My daughter is a competitive cheerleader so I've been sucked into the world.  Who knew I'd ever be able the difference between a base and a flyer (you might need to look them up). 

Well, last year her team qualified to compete at an international cheerleading competition.  And it's a big deal.  High pressure, difficult routines and big crowds.

But I`m not gonna talk to you about cheerleading (much) .  It reminded me of an awesome framework I learnt years ago.  A framework for being more successful.

The cheerleading team is putting this into practice and it’s equally as appropriate if you’re a senior tech leader.

If you want  to achieve something great, you need some B.A.T

• Belief
• Attention
• Technique

BAT helps you construct a better narrative of yourself, master things in life and achieve your potential.

Let's dig into it:

Belief

• You need to believe you can get better at something
• We often construct limiting beliefs that stop us trying.  I've seen it with people at work, I've seen it with the cheerleaders.  Try reframing "I can't do this" to "I haven't learnt this yet"
• Instead of constructing limiting beliefs, construct a narrative of - "This is something I can get better at, and I`m going to enjoy trying"

Attention

• It's no good just believing you're going to get better at something, you need to give it some attention.
• So ring fence some time to practice and develop the skill.  If you set some quality time aside to practice it will really help.  Nailing a cheerleading routine takes a lot of training and rehearsal.  Influencing important stakeholders takes time and attention.

Technique

• But it's not just about time.  You need to learn the techniques.  If you're about to  hurl a cheerleader in the air (and catch her again) you need to know how.  If you're developing your presentation skills you need to learn how to be relevant to an audience, build great content and deliver it effectively.
• So find a way to learn that support your learning style.  Read books, watch videos, try and fail, get coaches, get feedback, try and fail some more.

BAT really works.  I've applied this small approach to everything for years.  From learning low level cloud architecture, to developing my leadership skills, to successfully running my own business.

All it takes is a bit of belief in yourself, some time to learn, and a way to develop your technique.

Hope this helps

BenP

-------------------------------------

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

• Leaders In Tech: Raise the impact of your team.  Make them more influential, memorable and successful.  The Technical Storytelling Professional Program enables them to create clarity, generate energy and drive the results you need.
• Individuals: Accelerate your career and build your reputation.  Develop the skills to help you present,  influence and explain in the tech world.  Check out the Technical Storytelling Essentials or Tech Community Speaker courses.
• Tech World Human Skills Podcast:  The latest episode is "How To Be a Leader In The AI Age" with Pratim Das. Check it out on the Elevated You website,  Apple, Spotify, YouTube or Amazon Podcasts.