Re-Filling The Leadership Tank

A few years ago, we were moving some items from a rural location in a U-Haul truck to our home. We got in just fine, loaded everything up and headed to depart when suddenly the back tire of the U-Haul truck just kept spinning and spinning.

Just great.

I was tired. I kept saying, the truck needs a break. Just give it some time. It will start up again and we’ll be able to get it out. The truth of the matter was we were stuck and I just didn't feel like dealing with it. Sound familiar?

The truck was not tired. We had a problem. No amount of wishful thinking was going to get us out of there.

When I accepted that we had a problem, we quickly got to work coming up with different solutions, and finally asked strangers in the area to help pull us out.

One of the harshest truths any leader has to accept is the fact that any person or team will not perform at peak levels all the time. The leader and team will not be successful 100% of the time, and as such, it is part of the leader’s responsibility to prepare for the moments when momentum will weaken, inspiration may wane, energy depletes and team members may be disengaged or searching for guidance.

When this time comes (and it will), what then is a leader to do when the energy of a team, company, or project becomes stuck? What should a leader do to reinvigorate and revitalize the energy? Let’s explore some ways to get the momentum back in gear.

Admit that you have a problem

The first step to getting the leadership groove back in swing is to admit that you actually have a problem on your hands. This requires humility since you are admitting that there is a problem of which you are possibly a part of. I didn’t want to admit that the U-Haul truck was stuck, but the longer I delayed accepting it, the longer it took for a solution to be found. Failing to admit that there is something wrong automatically delays the necessary troubleshooting and problem solving process that follows soon thereafter. And while the whole team might be well aware that there is a problem, it will take decisive leadership to state that something has gone awry and that it is time to fix it.

Evaluate and Discover Solutions

If you’ve ever been to the doctor, you know that it is only after an issue is identified that meaningful solutions can be explored. With the problem out in the open, you can not only discover the root cause, but identify future solutions. This requires carefully asking yourself and the team some critical questions leaving no stone unturned. Open and honest communication is required.

Re-cast the vision of your team

Everyone needs reminders sometimes. Re-telling the vision of your team or organization may help revitalize the team spirit and morale. A common vision that is big enough for everyone to channel their energies towards achieving can energize the team and make everyone more eager to work. Keeping everyone in the mood of wanting to get things done is very helpful because a team full of energy will move mountains if it has to.

Consider Change

Sometimes it may be necessary to introduce a change agent to the team. Someone new can bring different perspectives, and an outlook that may end up being very valuable to your bottom line. They may introduce new ways of doing things at a time when the organization is in need of innovation and new ideas. 

Celebrate small wins

While you are reviving the team spirit, don’t forget to celebrate and motivate yourself and others by recognizing small victories that are important to everyone. Celebrating small wins will create an atmosphere that the team will enjoy when getting closer to the larger goals set for them.

Admitting when there is a problem, evaluating and discovering solutions, re-casting the team vision, introducing change, and celebrating small wins are a few ways to re-fill the leadership tank. It's important to keep an open mind, a positive attitude, but most importantly, a willingness to grow. You can do this.

What other ways can you think of to re-fill the tank? Leave them in the comments.