When we talk about leadership, we usually think about the person leading the team and not necessarily the individual team members.  While the leader is indeed important, we can’t overlook each team member’s personal leadership contributions to the team.  Whether they acknowledge it or not, every person on a team exhibits leadership at some point that impacts those around them in both positive and negative ways.  It may be in a side conversation with a fellow team member that serves to advance their personal agenda instead of the teams’.  It may be a hard working team member who is leading by example, inspiring others to push themselves a little harder.  Or, it may be a team member sticking up for someone else in a meeting that reminds everyone to treat one another with respect.

If you look within your own teams, you will find countless example of leadership taking place by people who are not labeled “the leader”, especially during the current state of things.  In the same way that true character is shown within individuals during times of adversity, teamwork is put to the test when times get tough.  It’s definitely easier for teams to get along when they are winning or things are going well, it’s a lot more difficult for them to thrive when faced with challenges, pressure, stress and setbacks.  Any cracks in the foundation or shortcomings usually are brought to light very quickly in these situations.

There is a great Ted Talk with Patrick Lencioni where he talks about the ideal team player having three core characteristics.  He makes the case that ideal team players need to be humble (think of others more than themselves), hungry (drive to achieve great results) and smart (emotionally intelligent and aware of how their behavior impacts others).  This week our team is examining how each of us show up in these three categories, thinking about where we excel and where we have work to do.

In your pursuit of “mibe”ing the teams you are on, I encourage you to watch Lencioni’s talk, and then do two things:

1. Evaluate your own performance as a team player.  Are you showing up during this time humble, hungry, and smart?  What area do you most need to improve?  What are you usually good at, but struggling with while things are so uncertain?

2. Evaluate each member of your team.  How are they doing relative to the “Hungry, Humble, Smart” competencies?  Are there team members who are stepping up to the challenge and excelling right now?  It’s time to make sure you’re encouraging them to keep up the good work and applaud them for their efforts.  Are there team members who are struggling?  Are those the same people that were just getting by previously and now it’s becoming clear that they aren’t up to the task at hand?  It may be time to have a tough conversation with them and point out what you are seeing.

As leaders of teams and team members on those teams, we have a responsibility to one another to show up as our best selves and support one another.  A little time for reflection and poignant feedback can go a long way in keeping a team thriving during uncertain times.

*Each week I share a leadership message with our team and we are honored to share it with you via MIBE Tribe.  MIBE (the acronym for Make It Better Everyday) Tribe delivers education on heart leadership and intentional culture building for the hospitality industry.