How You Show Up Matters More Than You Think

In tough times, your team looks to you for reassurance. What you project in those moments can make or break their morale.

Being a leader is like standing in the spotlight all the time. Your decisions are scrutinised, and whether intentional or not, your day to day behaviours have an impact on your team’s morale. 

Many years ago I was leading a worldwide team, and we were going through an extremely tough business turnaround. Stress was high throughout the organisation. 

As I rushed from one meeting to the next, I would often walk with my head down, deep in thought. I was lost in my own world as I processed one meeting and mentally prepped for the one ahead. Does any of this sound familiar?

What I didn’t realise was the perception I was creating. To my team and the organisation at large, I looked like a leader who was carrying a heavy burden. A burden of worry and stress. Which I’m sure wasn’t a very reassuring sight. 

It also caused me to be disconnected from my teams. Instead of head down deep in thought, I missed the opportunity to check in with folks to see how they were faring.

Perception is reality. If your team perceives you to be stressed and worried, the reality is that you are causing them to be stressed and worried. 

As leaders, we need to learn how to manage our stress without letting it affect our teams. That doesn’t mean you pretend everything is fine if the ship is sinking. But remember that you are the standard bearer. Your team is looking to you for reassurance and confidence, especially when things are difficult. 

So the next time you catch yourself rushing around with your head down deep in thought, ask yourself what signals you’re sending to your team.