Leading Through Tough Times

Watching the Seahawks battle against the Minnesota Vikings today made me think of other situations in life. Here they were, highly touted, favored to win, and yet down by 3 field goals at the half. We've all been there in life. Working as hard as we think we can, only to fail to achieve our goals. Maybe someone else got that job you wanted, or your competitor got the contract you sought, or your organization is losing market share to that company across town. It's easy to get down and despair. And the Seahawks could have easily crumbled under such a situation. But there are leaders on that team that made certain that didn't happen.

Coach Carroll, I'm sure, was in that locker room at halftime building up his team, reminding them each of the gifts they brought, of previous wins and encouraging them to get out there in the second half and be the team he knows they are. Russell Wilson, was no doubt shouldering the blame, but promising to give more in the second half. And other leaders like Richard Sherman were doing their best to pump everyone up and remind them of what they have done so far, what was at stake, and how they've overcome obstacles before.

Yes, this team, down 9 - 0, came out in the second half and played the game with confidence and energy, showing everyone just what they are capable of. Even to the last few seconds. We'll never know exactly what was said on the line of scrimmage between the players, but I'll bet the Seahawks were psyching the kicker out, reminding him of what they can do, and the kicker got rattled and missed an easy field goal, assuring the Seahawks the win. Yes, they fought back, with grit, confidence and skill.

Great leaders continue to build their team up, not berate them and break them down. Whether it's acknowledging what each person brings to the team, or listening and respecting their ideas, they are humble enough to know that each person in their organization brings special skills and talents. They let their employees suggest solutions, take risks and stretch, growing along the way. So when times are difficult, or your organization is challenged in some way, you use the strength of your team to help everyone move past the difficult times and come out stronger and more successful on the other side. Just like the Seahawks, down 9 - 0 at halftime, but victorious at the end of the game.