Every day we have to respond to the circumstances that are at-hand.  I know this is not news to anyone.  However, the fact of knowing something provides you nothing, nil, nada, zip.  The question is œKnowing what I know, what action do I take?

Action can produce a result.  Action moves things around and that provides us a different perspective even when we dont produce the intended result.  Even if we act but fail miserably we have given ourselves an opportunity to learn.  Notice I said œopportunity to learn.  I am not so sure sometimes if we actually do learn since we do the same thing down the road with the same outcome.  More on that later.

Today, I want to look at tough times (the economy, a losing streak, a slump, etc.). Every time we are up against œit (pick your œit) our survival button is pushed.  The next tune you will hear is some version of œLets Make It Through The Night.

œMaking it is the lowest level of living for human beings.  Convicts in prison œmake it.  Homeless on the street œmake it.  The last thing I want on my tombstone (if I have one) is œHe made it to here.

If the survival button is pushed you will do what you usually do.  It is automatic and the same every time.  Oh, your reaction may be more or less intense but it is the same.

Here are some characteristics you may recognize:

-Pull away from the people around you (your team)

-The solution is œdo it myself

-Blaming someone else therefore justifying myself

-Attempting to control things

-You and the circumstances you face are you favorite topics especially with the little voice in you head

There are more but you get the picture.

Since Championship Team is the topic for today, what do you suppose your team looks like when things are tough?  All of the things I have indicated will be happening.  Your people will be worrying about themselves.  Remember, it is automatic.

I have identified some behaviors and you could be thinking, œokay so what do I do?  This is where you really need to lead.   Dont jump too quickly here.  I am not talking about œsurvival leadership.  Doing what you always do will be insufficient.

Lets take the few points I made as examples of automatic behavior.  First reaction will always be the same.  How quickly do catch myself and what action can I create?

If the tendency is to pull away what can I create?

-You need to be more visible, more engaged with the team and with them individually

-Who else can you include to support your efforts (ideas, responsibilities, etc.)

-Take full responsibility for everything.  No finger pointing.  They are YOUR team.

-Control.  Give it up.  You are lucky if you control what you do. Manage the flow.

-No œpoor me or us.  No giving up on anyone, especially yourself.  Your players greatest fear is that you will give up on them.  No bad attitudes allowed.

This is not the time to beat up on people.  Taking ou your frustrations on the team is juvenile, at best, and crushing, at the worst.  Be firm with your commitments.  No lowering your standards.  They know things arent going well.  Show them there is light at the end of the tunnel and its not the Bullet Train.

A couple of thoughts in closing.  Find out what the players think about things.  Listen to their ideas.  You will use what they say as appropriate for your view since you are the only one accountable for the end result.

The last thing I want to say is include your family in the process.  Give them the facts.  Let them know your plans.  Give them an opportunity to support you.

You could lose your job.  There will be another one.  You only have one time around with your family.  What you miss with them can never be replaced.  Let them know how much you love and appreciate them.

Keep this in mind.  Every single person woke up this morning wanting their life to work.  Some may have lost hope, given up.  Consider this;  your only job is to show them their way.