Leadership happens when shit hits the fan.

At some point or another we’ve all been part of a team of leaders who struggle with the question of how to go forward.

At some point or another we’ve all been part of a team of leaders who struggle with the question of how to go forward.

Sometimes the question comes with a sense of urgency, sometimes it only comes when your signature product finally faces a ditch.

This is the time for leadership.

My view of leadership is as follows: Leaders don’t lead because they are masters of their team’s mindset; rather, they lead because they are masters of their own, personal mission to help create a positive culture that leads to a diverse, optimistic future.

That’s how leaders are perceived.

That’s why leaders win.

So there are three things to keep in mind in times like these, especially if you are a leader of a team that faces critical challenges or transition.

Commit.

Commit to the team. Commit to yourself. Commit to your vision. Commit to your purpose. It’s okay if the other team members don’t trust you 100 percent.

But if you are a leader, you can’t fail to commit.

If you aren’t committed, then there is no way you can make a positive difference for your team.

Your players know that.

Your team knows that.

You cannot achieve anything if you don’t allow them to reach their potential.

You cannot achieve anything if you don’t commit.

Put your bets on yourself.

One of the most difficult tasks a leader faces is to put their own bets on themselves.

They’re hungry for success, but they’re struggling with the doubts and self-doubt that often accompany success.

It can lead to an inward focus on their strengths, while blinders become affixed to the weaknesses they’ve been noticing.

So the first thing you do is put your odds on yourself.

Pick a new skill or attribute and double down on it.

Trust in your own set of skills and overcome imposter syndrome.

It’s not doing anyone any good.

Be accountable.

If it’s not on you, be on it.

Again, I’m not talking just about taking the blame, but putting your own fault squarely in your shoes.

A leader who holds themselves accountable means their team will hold them accountable.

After all, leadership is more than navigating through the complex challenges of running a team.

It’s about managing the expectations and making an impact on your team’s life.

It’s about learning what gives your team a chance to thrive.

As a leader you are a validator, a guide, and a hero.

You are a representative of your company, and that can be an incredibly intimidating thing.

It can make you uncomfortable, but this isn’t a bad thing.

When sh*t hits the fan, when push comes to shove, commit, bet on yourself and be accountable.

Everything else comes easy.