3 Ways To Be A Leader, Even If You're Not A Captain On Your Team

Posted July 6, 2021 in School

Heading into summer, you may be starting practice with your new team, how exciting! However that may look like for you and your program, dance and cheer teams across the US have one thing in common, leadership roles. These roles might be captains or routine leaders or secretaries. Regardless, all teams have them.

As you start your summer, these leadership roles are chosen. But what happens when you’re not chosen?

On a team, it is impossible to have everyone be titled as a captain, but it is possible, and expected, for everyone on the team to become a LEADER.

National Dance Alliance instructor, Maggie Robertson, teamed up with Varsity TV and compiled some tips and tricks to make sure you know how you can be a leader for your team this summer, even if you aren't the captain.

Being a leader looks like…

1. SHOWING UP

Showing up for practice in proper attire and ready to work, showing up for team events outside of practice, showing up for your teammates who are facing adversity. Staying late to clean up the practice area, offering help to coaches or team helpers, volunteering for extra events.

These are all ways you can show up for your team. If you are unsure of what you can do to help, reach out to a coach or respected teammate and ask!

2. BEING PROUD

Be proud of the work at practice, be proud to wear your team attire outside of practice, be proud to positively post about your team. Be respectful of yourself and your team/teammates on social media, don’t talk down about your team to others, leave practice with a smile on your face.

Always be proud of the team you’re on!

3. PUSHING LIMITS

Push your personal limits by setting goals to get a new skill, stay after practice to accomplish those goals, encourage teammates to their goals too! If you feel the inevitable defeat in practice, shout and encourage your team on the floor; “let’s go, team, we got this!” Ask your coach what skills you need to work on, ask a teammate who has the skill you’re trying to get to give you feedback.

By pushing your limits, setting goals, and actively working to accomplish them, you are not only leading by example but you are leveling up your team.

So, I encourage you as you go into your summer practices, and throughout the season, to continue to show up, be proud, and push the limits of yourself and your team.