Build Team Spirit With Shout-Outs

Shout-Outs by definition are an expression of greeting or praise that is given to someone in the presence of many people.  I originally shared this post last year and with a new dance year beginning, I thought it was an appropriate time to share it again.  It doesn’t matter if you are a dancer, cheerleader, gymnast, swimmer or play on a softball team, every team benefits when the team bonds and lifts each other up.  So while the example below is in reference to the dance studio setting, this idea can be incorporated in any team setting.

How Shout-Outs work

At my daughter’s studio, her Studio Owner started incorporating “Shout-Outs”.  It works like this.  Dancers can submit a “Shout-Out” into a “Shout-Out” box.  Shout-Outs can be written or typed on a piece of paper and can be given to anyone in company.  They can also be anonymous or signed.

Her dance teacher reads the shout-outs at the end of class and gives the shout-out to the dancer to take home.  It doesn’t take long for her to read them, but those few minutes of being recognized have a big impact.

The Benefits:

* Promotes Team Spirit

* Dancers are busy, working hard and may be rushing out the door at the end of class.  They may not have an opportunity to compliment another dancer.  This allows them to do that.

* It boosts confidence and gives dancer’s a sense of pride.  Who doesn’t like for someone to notice how hard they have been working or the energy they bring to a dance or to hear that they are inspiring someone.

When I asked my dancer “Why Do You Like Shout-Outs?”, this is what she said:

Receiving A Shout-Out:

“It’s nice to hear that someone cares about all your hard work and the effort you put in.  Knowing that the person wrote something about you makes you feel good.  You feel surprised and happy when you hear your name.  It boosts your self-esteem.  It’s also nice to hug them and thank them.”

Giving A Shout-Out:

“It makes you feel good inside to compliment someone about something they do.  It makes you happy knowing you made someone else happy.”

 

What I Notice As A Parent:

My dancer puts time and thought into each shout-out she gives and it encourages her to focus on the good in each of her fellow dancers and what they bring to the space with their effort, attitude, style, determination, performance ability, friendship and the list goes on.  Those crinkled notes up there in the picture, may not look like much to the average person.  They have been read, celebrated and then placed in her dance bag with smelly shoes, probably some candy wrappers, hair accessories and who knows what else.  But on those crumpled little note cards and pieces of paper are words that lift you up, that build your confidence, words that make you feel good, feel a part of a team, and fuel the desire to work towards goals and celebrate the people you share your dance space with each week.

So this is my Shout-Out for Shout-Outs.  If you are looking for an additional way to help your team bond and promote encouraging one another, try a “Shout-Out” box.  I think Jill Scott has the right idea with her quote below.

I just think it’s silly to be stingy with compliments. If you see someone and they strike you as beautiful in any way,

why not let them know?

Jill Scott