Your team is facing tough times in business administration. How can you inspire them to excel?

Lead by example: show resiliency, positivity and hard work. And your behavior will spill over to your team. If they notice you are focused and positive, chances are better they feel the same way too.

Lead by example Communicate Openly Recognize Efforts Provide support Set clear goals celebrate small wins Encourage innovation Stay connected

When team members feel heard and valued, their motivation and commitment to the team’s goals increase. Empathy fosters trust, which is the foundation of a strong, collaborative team environment.

A well-articulated vision serves as a guiding star, especially in turbulent times. For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, refocused the company on its core values—reigniting the passion for the customer experience and quality, rather than just financial recovery. This clear vision not only stabilized the company but also reenergized the team, giving them a purpose beyond just profits. By clearly defining success in terms of values and impact, leaders can inspire their teams to stay committed and resilient, even in the face of adversity.

Problem: Team members may feel hesitant to share new ideas due to fear of criticism or rejection, leading to a stagnation in creativity and missed opportunities for breakthroughs. Additionally, without a structured approach to nurturing innovation, ideas may remain untested or unrealized, resulting in a lack of progress. Solution: To overcome these challenges, leaders must actively cultivate an environment that encourages and supports innovation. One effective approach is to establish regular brainstorming sessions where all ideas are welcomed. For example, Google’s “20% time” policy, where employees can spend 20% of their work hours on projects they’re passionate about, has led to the creation of successful products like Gmail.

Disaster: Kodak was once a giant in the photography industry, but when digital photography emerged, the company failed to adapt. Despite having the technology to pioneer the digital camera, Kodak clung to its traditional film business, viewing the digital shift as a threat rather than an opportunity. Lessons Learned: Kodak's downfall highlights the importance of fostering a resilient mindset within teams and organizations. Leaders must encourage their teams to see challenges as chances to innovate and grow, rather than as insurmountable obstacles. Resilience is built by embracing change, learning from failures, and being willing to pivot when necessary.