AGAINST THE ODDS
Updated: 11 hours ago
Against the odds, leadership begins with an honest look inward.
Mindset, effort, accountability, and passion determine what comes next.
The odds are against you. It seems your competitors are delighting in your back being against the wall. You think people are whispering behind your back and referring to you in the past tense. The bank balance isn’t encouraging. An employee that was key has announced their departure. The phones aren’t ringing like they did in the past. You’re starting to believe a narrative that perhaps your best days are behind you.
A market analysis informs you that it isn’t the economy or buying habits. The product you offer is still viable and there’s a demand for it. What shifted? The market is still there. But the million-dollar question, quite literally is this…where are you?
Check Your Mindset
First, check your mindset. Nobody deserves success. It is earned. You may find it easy to become number one in your industry, but you’ll discover it’s enormously difficult to remain number one. You’re going to have to fight for your slice of success. Nobody is coming to hand you a twenty percent increase in sales. You’ll have to earn it. Simply because you were successful last year or even last month, doesn’t mean you’ll be successful tomorrow or next month. When we begin to take success for granted, we leave the door open for someone hungrier to take the slice of the pie we are enjoying.
Assess Your Effort
Second, assess your effort. Are you working as hard today as you were the day you launched your business? After we’ve done anything for a certain period, we fall into habits and rhythms. Since we’re living in the moment we often don’t realize that time is passing. The hustle we exerted last year may not be what the market requires for this year. Strategies and tactics may have to change. Take an honest inventory and consider if your efforts have grown to meet the challenge or have you grown stagnant in the comfort of yesterday’s success.
Reintroduce Accountability
Third, accountability is key. Are you holding yourself accountable? Is your team being held accountable? Consider the number of sales and service calls, is the team still doing all they can or have we grown comfortable with relationships? Reintroduce accountability into your culture. Set realistic goals. Measure progress. Don’t just ask for numbers but inquire as to how those numbers are being generated. What is it that’s being said that can open or close a door? Take that and coach your team to be better. Hold yourself and your team accountable.
Let Passion Enter the Room
Fourth, passion is a must. When is the last time you showed up excited to do the work of the company? Remember, this is your dream. This is what you wanted to do. The people you hired are following a passion you birthed. Look around at your organization. How’s the passion level? Is it low? If so, when is the last time they heard you sound excited about the future of the company? They need to hear you speak of the mission, vision, and core values. People will match your energy. It is up to you to be the example of what you want to see in others. Be the person who sets the standard for passion.
Check your mindset. Assess your effort. Get accountability back in the mix. Let passion enter the room before you do. Do that, and you’ll be on your way to a brighter future and a team that wants to win.
Creating Unparalleled Experiences,
CHRIS ADAMS
SIGN UP FOR THE WEEKLY LEADERSHIP BLOG FROM CHRIS
Thoughtful, practical insights on leadership, culture, communication, and the everyday choices that shape stronger teams and organizations. Subscribe to receive Chris Adams’ latest perspectives on leading with greater clarity, intention, and impact—delivered straight to your inbox.
Comments