The Cheerleader — Who are You on the Team? Part 4

Every team needs someone who keeps the lights on — not the fluorescent ones, but the ones inside people’s eyes. That’s your Cheerleader. They walk into a meeting and the mood lifts just a little. They laugh easily, clap first, and seem to have an endless stash of “you’ve got this” in their back pocket.

They’re not naïve — they just believe. In people. In progress. In possibility. The Cheerleader reminds everyone that the mountain can be climbed and that the view will be worth it.

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How to Spot the Cheerleader in an Interview

They smile before you finish your first question. Their tone is animated, their eyes bright, and their words full of connection. They talk about team wins more than personal ones — “We pulled it off” comes naturally.

Ask:

• “Tell me about a time you helped your team rally during a tough time.”

• “What do you love most about working with people?”

You’ll know them by the lightness in their answers — and by how you feel when they leave the room.

They bring morale, break tension, and help teams recover from burnout faster. They notice when someone’s struggling and find ways to spark a smile or a laugh. They remind everyone that the work is worth it — and that no one has to do it alone.

They’re emotional amplifiers: when they’re up, everyone rises with them.

They struggle because they don’t like conflict, silence, or disapproval. They can overextend emotionally, using humor or positivity to cover discomfort. Sometimes they chase “good vibes” when what’s really needed is accountability.

Ask, “How do you handle it when a teammate doesn’t respond to your positivity?” If they say, “I just keep trying!” — great heart, but they’ll need coaching on boundaries and balance.

They’re natural friends to the Helper, who shares their heart, and to the Organizer, who keeps them on track. They can frustrate the Challenger or Strategic Guardian, who prefer logic to emotion — but given time, even those types can’t resist their sincerity.

Cheerleaders don’t just need to be heard; they need to be appreciated. A simple “you keep this place alive” goes a long way.

Feed them with encouragement, not flattery. Give them space to celebrate small wins, but help them channel their energy into tangible impact. Let them host a recognition moment, write a thank-you card, or start the morning huddle. They’ll turn morale into momentum.

When you see their energy dip, don’t assume they’re fine. Ask how they’re doing. Cheerleaders are used to giving joy away — they’ll need permission to refill their own tank.

A Cheerleader can’t fix every problem, but they can make every problem feel fixable. When their optimism is grounded in purpose, their laughter becomes leadership.

Hire one. Protect them. And every now and then, tell them they’re doing amazing.

🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1thGHznXU3YGgBsE4lvgHm?si=l_0zvnDcSz6GRF_w6lAJAQ