**1. Cheerleading is the most underrated talent in the workplace.**
The noise in that room on the Strand was more intense than most concerts- in a word, it was wild. Every time one group completed a bit of choreography, the rest of the room erupted in cheers, and cries of "Go girl" and "Yesssss".
It made you feel like you could literally do no wrong (and believe me, I know, because I was definitely doing wrong). At no point did I feel anything other than encouraged.
Reflecting on what made it, and made me feel, so good- I honestly just think it is the idea of knowing that you've got people cheering hard about your effort, and not necessarily your output. It feels GREAT.
**2. Inclusivity needs to be clearly role modelled.**
I don't think I've ever been in such a diverse room- across shapes, sizes, colours, and life stages. I found genuine diversity like this a little unusual, in a sad way (I work in a largely white male environment)- the most amazing thing was that it did not matter who walked through the door, every single person was greeted with the same level of enthusiasm and respect.
It was eye-opening to watch the teacher create an environment where you could simply sense that there was a very high bar for making sure everyone was comfortable. I am confident that any laughter at the expense of someone else would not be tolerated.
**3. Build a community and they will stay loyal.**
There were thirty people in that room on Monday, and most of them were in branded kit (activity-appropriate kit, to be clear- I was the most fully-clothed person in the room, and I was in a t-shirt). From what I can ascertain on social media, everyone posts with the relevant attribution, and looked like they would die on a hill for the brand.
When I walked in with Holly, she was hugged by about fourteen different people. I could feel the love everywhere, and that community of people really felt connected with one another and the teacher- each encouraging the other and never shaming.
I didn't pick up on a single clique, and the vibe was so positive that it was impossible to leave not wanting more. I've written before about how mean girls can ruin an office, but it made me think I should hold a higher bar for calling out negative behaviours, if they are what is preventing us reaching this kind of nirvana in the office.
**4. Pride should be encouraged not muffled.**
Often in the workplace, we are quick to call out those with an ego, but Monday really changed my mind on what pride should look like. A lot of people asked me to film their butts while they worked their winding magic- and most of those will go on to share it on social media.
There is very little that would convince me put a video of me in that class on the internet (there's always a number, but mine would be ASTRONOMICAL)- but nevertheless, the pride these people felt in their ability was infectious. They were good at something, they knew it, and they wanted to share it.
Even in cultures where 'shouting out' each other is encouraged, it is rare for someone to say "Hey, I did this thing and I'm dead proud of it". Honestly, I struggle to see how that could negatively impact a team culture.
**5. Energy > skill.**
At interview, I believe that you want to hire the person that gives it their all, over the person with the technical skill, every time.
We hired someone in our growth team not long ago, and they had little to no experience of growth. But at interview, I genuinely believed that she was going to work until she was great at it, and that meant a lot more to me than her technical paid ad skills. This has totally paid off and I'm confident she will be promoted soon, because she now has the skills AND still has that great energy.
I was categorically the worst twerker in the class on Monday, but it didn't stop me hollering and whining my heart out. Partly, because I wanted Holly to be proud of me, but also partly because by indulging in the energy I was showing that no one in that class should feel anything other than pride for what they were doing.