Author: Kia
I've written before about my daughter, who is now a senior at Grand Rapids Christian High looking forward to beginning her college career next fall. She is a co-captain of the Competitive Cheer squad after making varsity all four years and will compete in the Regionals this upcoming weekend which, unless they move on to State, will be her last competition. Her team had not won a competition all year until this past Monday evening when they won their home meet, soundly outscoring one of their chief rivals of the season.
Among the teams they beat was one that had edged them on several occasions this season. Word had it that they were looking forward to beating our squad again. The difference, however, was that our team continued to improve and add new innovations to their routine, improving scores throughout the season in preparation for the regional meet. For instance, there's one move where a girl back flips into the arms of teammates who then propel her into a lift. This move requires complete trust of her teammates since she does not see them catching her. Many of the new moves added into the routine were intended to wow audiences and demonstrate skill, execution, and teamwork. By comparison, their rival's routine looked, well, routine. It didn't really move forward from where they had been earlier in the season. Maybe they're holding back their innovations to unveil at the regional meet. We'll see.
A lot has been made about our transformation efforts. I'm proud of the things we're doing to improve in every way. Some will argue that some changes should have happened sooner or that we're not focusing on the right changes. My response to the first is that we can blah blah blah all day long about coulda shoulda woulda, but the fact of the matter is that substantive changes are occurring and they will make this business more exciting for all involved. As for what we're focusing on, everyone has an opinion based on their personal experiences and "filter." The changes that are being made are based on extensive research blended with a deep knowledge of our IBOs and the way they currently do business. It's important we all work together towards change, or it won't happen. And it needs to happen, because others will continue to innovate even if we don't.
The point has been made, and I agree, that the competition is getting stiffer. That means we either step up or crumble. I'd like to step up to the challenge and make this business more exciting than it's ever been. Employees have been challenged and are stepping up. IBOs are being challenged as well! This truly is a pivotal year in our business, but I have so much confidence in the team that's working together to achieve this transformation.
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