Gratitude for the Journey. A leader task.

I was wondering this morning what to write for this month newsletter and wake up a little bit upset since my football team didn’t win yesterday an easy match (if such easy ones exist). The team has been through a recently journey of ownership changes and owners were very active promoting the team before. Fans have also get used to great results and titles. Well that was in time of good results.

Now that we are not bad in the league but losing to teams at the lower end of the rankings, why didn't they show up?

?At the same time, another team in northeast of the country have just lost its most important final after 5 years on crescent stepping up their skills. Their president went live when all fans where sad to share gratitude on everything they have achieve in the journey so far. I though, that is what I will write today. Gratitude for the journey.

Leadership presence

The presence of a leader during challenging times can significantly influence the morale of the company and the engagement of its people. When leaders face adversity head-on and show up for their teams, they can mitigate negative consequences and foster a resilient, engaged workforce. Let's explore the profound impact of leadership presence, exploring the consequences for company morale and people engagement.

Company Morale

When leaders are visible and actively engaged during difficult periods, employees gain confidence in the organisation's ability to overcome challenges. A visible leader demonstrates that the company is addressing issues transparently and working collectively toward solutions, bolstering employee morale.

In opposite way employees may feel abandoned and demotivated, leading to decreased morale and negative work atmosphere. Is a contagious spiral very difficult to stop.

Leaders who show up inspire trust among employees. Open communication about the situation, challenges, and strategies builds a culture of transparency. Trust is the cornerstone of positive morale; when employees trust their leaders, they feel secure and motivated to contribute their best efforts.

The challenges stays of course on confidentiality border lines. What is the information’s we can share that will not harm further the organisation. Well, it will depend on how your company culture deals with results. If is taken from the journey perspective, everyone will know is a temporary situation.

Acknowledging tough times and showing empathy toward employees' concerns enhances their well-being. Visible leaders can provide support, resources, and reassurance, easing the emotional burden on employees. A supportive environment contributes to a positive morale, even in the face of adversity.

People Engagement

Leaders who are present encourage open dialogue. Employees feel more comfortable expressing their concerns and suggesting ideas. Engaged leaders actively listen, valuing employees' perspectives. This dialogue fosters a sense of belonging and encourages active participation in finding solutions.

Open dialogue works. During pandemic time, the companies that survive better where those sharing and asking the employees for their contribution. As the pandemic is over, we forgot this good practice. Build it in your company culture.

Visible leaders promote collaboration among team members. In an environment where leaders acknowledge challenges, employees are more likely to collaborate, share ideas, and innovate. Engaged teams collaborate more effectively, leading to innovative solutions that can steer the company toward success.

Leadership presence during adversity provides employees with role models of resilience. Witnessing leaders face challenges with determination and a positive attitude inspires employees to adopt a similar mindset. Engaged employees are more resilient, adapting to change and navigating challenges with confidence.

Leaders who actively engage with their teams contribute to a positive workplace culture. Engagement leads to a sense of ownership and pride in the organisation. Employees are more likely to go the extra mile, support colleagues, and contribute positively to the company culture when they feel engaged and valued by their leaders.

The courage to Lead

There's a common misconception that true leaders only emerge during times of success and prosperity. However, the mark of an exceptional leader lies not in their ability to thrive when everything is going well, but in their courage to show up and guide their team through the stormy seas of adversity.

Here some ideas to build up your courage:

Be vulnerable

Leadership is not about invincibility; it's about authenticity and vulnerability. Leaders who are afraid to show up during bad times often fear appearing weak or uncertain. However, acknowledging challenges and expressing vulnerability can foster trust and empathy among team members.

Lead by example

During difficult periods, a leader's presence and demeanor set the tone for the entire organization. By demonstrating resilience, optimism, and a proactive attitude, leaders inspire their team to face challenges head-on. Leaders who shy away from tough situations miss the opportunity to lead by example and instill confidence in their team.

Build Trust through Transparency

Transparency is the foundation of trust. Leaders who are open about the challenges the organization faces, communicate transparently about decisions, and share their plans for overcoming adversity, build trust with their team. Hiding or avoiding problems erodes trust and can lead to a lack of confidence in leadership.

Foster a Supportive Environment

Showing up during bad times means creating a safe space where team members feel comfortable expressing their concerns and ideas. Leaders who are present during adversity can actively listen, provide emotional support, and collaborate with their team to find innovative solutions. Such collaborative efforts strengthen the team's bond and resilience.

Learn and Growth

Difficult times offer valuable lessons for both leaders and their teams. Leaders who face challenges head-on can learn from setbacks, adapt strategies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Avoiding adversity means missing opportunities for growth and innovation.

When was the last time you spend investing in yourself. Leaders tend to be busy and forgot they also need to keep learning. Most successful companies are those where the leader take 2-3 days on a month to invest in learning, listening peers and build knowledge.

Inspire Resilience

When leaders show up during bad times, they inspire resilience not only within themselves but also in their team. By demonstrating determination, adaptability, and a positive attitude, leaders empower their team members to persevere through challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

Be persistent

Leaders that have a clear vision and keep leading the team to achieve it, will take a high level of accomplishment and legacy. As the captain of your ship, you should steer during thunderstone but keep your harbor always ahead so people can help you to get there, safety.

If you consider yourself a leader, make sure the true essence of leadership reveals itself in moments of adversity. Leaders who have the courage to show up, be vulnerable, and lead with transparency and resilience leave an indelible mark on their organisations. They inspire their teams to face challenges with unwavering determination, fostering a culture of resilience, trust, and growth that propels the organisation toward a brighter future.

Can you name a leader that inspire you, in the face of adversity, choose courage over fear and help you to navigate the stormy seas of life with resilience and grace?

With admiration for courageous leaders everywhere,

Gustavo Santos

International Executive, C-Level Advisor and Educator

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