8 Ways Leaders Pull the Team Through Tough Times

Leaders who get that title can put the group on their shoulders during the toughest times. It’s inspirational, and it can even change the world.

 
This GenuLines look at how it’s done should inspire you, even if you don’t plan to change the world.

8 Ways Leaders Pull the Team Through Tough Times

It’s easy to be a leader when things are rolling along. In fact, it can be downright awesome.
 
picture of leaders
 
Especially if you get your own castle or palace (this may not apply to the typical shift manager).
 
But what if your team is in the trenches under fire? You need some serious leadership skills to hold it all together.
 
 
 
Consider the following.
 
1. Grit
The definition of grit is courage, resolve, and strength of character. Blend these qualities and you come up with one word: toughness.
 
Good leaders hold the team together in tough times by staying committed to the battle.
 
2. Optimism
Grit tends to relate to the present. But optimism is a component of leadership that looks to the future.
 
A leader who has a positive view of the outcome is creating a mental framework for the team to pull through. This is because they foster the belief that something great is on the other side.
 
3. Pragmatism
Leaders need to be gritty and optimistic. They also need to be practical.
 
Their intelligence and common sense will steer them through a given situation. Viewing the future through rose colored glasses can lead to costly mistakes.
 
4.Selflessness
A bad captain will try to save their own skin. A good captain makes sure crewmembers get off the sinking ship first. (that said, it’s not necessary to go down with the ship)!.

5. Resolution

Tough times are ripe for dissension and mutiny, but a good leader holds command. Sometimes you have to show tough love.
 
Put the proverbial foot down when members of the team start talking smack. They’ll thank you later.
 
6. Encouragement
A good leader encourages the team during a tough stretch to help them find the drive to make it through. Sometimes encouragement can be as simple as a casual look-in to the group.
 
They’ll pat some backs, and give smiles or friendly words.
 
7. Preparedness
A good leader makes preparations for the team’s bad times.
 
The plan to cover all the possibilities, including what to do if things don’t go exactly the way they were hoping.
 
8. Bravery
Fear can undermine the entire mission. This is true whether the war is on a battlefield, a sporting field, or the sales floor.
 
A good leader is brave and inspires the team with that bravery.
 
JohnK 6-28-2021
 
Stick figure hears about leadersOverheard: “A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example.”
                               ~Joe DiMaggio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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