What have Britain’s best street dance crew (in my opinion at least) and exceptional leadership communications got in common? Well, the former wouldn’t be a household name celebrating 10 successful years without a healthy dollop of the latter.
Last weekend, my children (yep, definitely the children and not me) were so very excited to go and see Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity on their anniversary tour – Born Ready. Ashley Banjo’s genius choreography, the buzz from the audience, and the phenomenal acrobatics all made for a show we won’t forget in a long time.
What’s crystal clear as this jaw-dropping spectacle unfolds is how incredibly in sync the group is, and not just with every micro movement. But in understanding Diversity’s narrative and the essence of what they stand for. Why? Because of creative guru Ashley’s outstanding leadership communication skills.
Leadership communications Diversity-style
The theme of Born Ready centres on believing in yourself and never letting anyone tell you a dream isn’t possible – however far-fetched it might seem. A positive message for sure. But also something it might be tricky to sell as anything other than an aspiration. So how does Ashley bring the rest of his team and the audience along with him?
For me, there are a few things we could all learn that are considerably easier to pick up than locking, popping or AB’s signature move, the resurrection.
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Do as I do
From the outset, the Diversity ethos is about drilling, drilling, drilling the routines until the team moves as one, perfectly synchronised, unit. Ashley is always front and centre, working as hard as anyone else, never expecting effort he isn’t putting in personally. “I’m in it with you” is a pretty powerful message from any leader.
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Know your customers – and give them what they want
When they claimed the BGT crown back in 2009, Diversity were the underdogs (singer Susan Boyle was the bookies’ favourite). But they won with routines that were not only slick, but also funny, smart and meaningful – and that’s what Britain fell in love with. It’s what gave them the edge, and they’ve kept that unique formula ever since.
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Trust your team
The group’s made up of family and friends, most of whom have known each other for years, so you’d think it might be harder for one person to lead. Well, at one point in the performance, they showed the very much collaborative process of putting a routine together. Ashley may have the initial ideas, but those concepts will change, evolve and improve as other team members contribute their suggestions – a crucial step in getting to that distinctive end product.
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Be grateful
The tour is running for several months, with very physical performances sometimes twice a day. It’s exhausting to keep up that level of energy – even doing something you love. But by always appreciating the position you’re in (and being grateful to the people who keep you there), a good leader keeps everyone else focused and motivated.
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Don’t get complacent
Ashley has publicly admitted he hadn’t thought beyond the talent show ending and never thought they’d win. So when Diversity walked away with the £100,000 prize, it would have been easy to sit back and coast for a while. But Ashley made sure he kept the group front of the public’s minds, with everything from presenting gigs to youth fitness initiatives. Members like Jordan and Perri have followed in his footsteps, all contributing to the group’s longevity.
So, it’s clear that leadership communications have some common ground rules, whether you’re running a FTSE 100 company or a world-renowned street crew that began as friends dancing together for fun.
If we can help with your organisations’ leadership communications (or you just want a chat about Diversity over a cuppa), get in touch.
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