A cheer “Team Mom” has a unique responsibility to be a bridge between the coaches and parents. You’re given the mission of rallying the troops and communicating all the necessary information so that everyone knows where they’re supposed to be and what’s needed from them.
But what happens when the group chat is silent? What happens when no matter what you do, kids aren’t at competitions on time, no one is coming to team bonding events, or worse…parents don’t know what’s going on? There’s nothing worse than a cheer parent who is angry because they feel like they’re in the dark.
Like any group of people, a team of cheer parents need effective communication. Here are 6 ways you can communicate effectively to get everyone on the same page and bought in on what’s happening with your cheer team:
BE CONSISTENT
Try to communicate on a regular basis. It won’t take long for your families to fall into a rhythm with you and know that you’ve got their back. Maybe meet once a month for happy hour, or even in a more formal setting at the gym.
USE MULTIPLE WAYS TO COMMUNICATE YOUR MESSAGE
Try not to communicate on the same day every week, or with the same method. It won’t take long for families to tune you out.
For example, don’t send an email every Tuesday with the subject line, “weekly updates.”
Instead, try to communicate in different ways each time you have information to give out. Do a video update, link to a Google doc, send your update with a photo of the athletes at practice.
The key is to keep it fresh and catch their attention.
BE ENGAGING
I always try to include a joke. One time my parents weren’t responding to the thing I was asking them to do. I was on a deadline from my coach – who was pregnant at the time – and as a last effort to get everyone to give me their information on time, I said, “Please don’t make me the reason the pregnant lady is mad.”
Another time, families were consistently late to competition events. I started telling them that if they were late, they had to buy me wine.
Make it fun…we’re all in this for the same reasons!
SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Know when things like waivers and uniform sizes are due, and communicate those deadlines clearly to your families. When it involves things like money try to give as much notice as possible. When the deadline involves things like signing waivers, or submitting a form, try to create as much urgency as possible. Don’t give them too much time to lose the thing they need to give back to you.
FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP, AND FOLLOW UP AGAIN, BUT…
Always follow up on things you need from your parents. However, when it comes to turning in money or when you’re just waiting on one or two people, try to do this personally and one on one. People may stop reading or listening to your messages if it consistently doesn’t apply to them.
Have you seen the Team Rep Survival Guide? All the tools and resources you need to create a successful environment for you, your team, and their parents!
THE 99/1 RULE
When you’re trying to convey a message, make sure you’re doing it in a way that will appeal to everyone…not just the people who aren’t “getting it.” I’ve seen too many group texts come across as negative to the 99% of the people that it doesn’t apply to. Be careful not to “punish” (send negative texts or emails) the 99% because the 1% isn’t doing what you’re asking, or is giving you trouble. Try to deal with the people one-on-one if there’s a problem that needs to be solved.
Try any of these tips and you’ll see a happier, more engaged community. You might even make some new friends along the way!
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