BCG Blog

Dealing Hope

5 things you should say to your team more often.

1. Thank you for your commitment, dedication, and the sacrifices you’ve made for our team.
2. I don’t know, but I’ll find out.
3. What do you think? What would you suggest?
4. This is going to be hard, but we’ve got it if we stick together.
5. I’m with you - win or lose, sink or swim. I’m with you.

5 things you should say to your boss more often.

1. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you.
2. Thank you for all the work you put into making our team the best it can be.
3. What can I do to help you?
4. How was your day … then listen to the answer.
5. I’m grateful for your vision for our team and daily leadership.

5 things you should say to your children more often.

1. Thank you for being you.
2. I love to watch you play / perform / compete.
3. I don’t know, but I’ll find out who does.
4. What do you think we should do?
5. I’m scared too, but let's go for it!

Why Should We Care?
Far too often we hold back on sharing our appreciation and gratitude, concerned we will sound weird or different. Say it anyway. We only have one opportunity for each of these perishable gifts. Don’t miss your window. No one regrets sharing feelings of appreciation. What we regret is holding back. 

I’ve always believed motivation is internal in the best performers. They don’t rely on external forces to determine their motivation from day to day. However, I do believe leaders have a responsibility to deal hope to those we lead. All the examples above are simple ways to do just that, deal hope.

As leaders we are often drawn to focus on the weaknesses of our team members - what they can’t do, what they struggle with. As we begin to become more aware of our team members’ strengths, we seem to find more. The more willing we are to look for chances to lift others, the more opportunities we will recognize to do so. 

REAL TALK - Action Steps
There are hundreds of ways to deal hope, and every teammate is different. Trust your gut and live in the courage that will allow you to share all the positives your teammates bring to the table.

• Say Thank You 
  • There is nothing wrong with thanking teammates for coming to work every day, for turning in their assignments, for speaking up at a meeting … for doing their job. Of course, we know that’s what they’re supposed to do, but that doesn’t have to remove our appreciation for it.

 

• Say I Don’t Know, What Do You Think?
  • What your teammates think matters. You don’t have to use their response all the time, but if you never ask you never have the option. If you want to deal serious hope, ask the opinion of a team member outside of their perceived circle of knowledge. Asking a reserve player what matchups they think we should have for our starters has never worked against us. It’s always a unifying and hope giving experience.

 

• Say I’m Sorry
  • I apologize to our team all the time - after games, during practice, in the middle of a timeout. I believe it helps our guys understand that the leader messes things up too. I’m in the messy development of our team with them and we’re all on the same mission. You try to do your best, but if you make a mistake you say sorry and go give your best effort on the next thing. There is no time for sulking or feeling sorry for yourself - next play.

Leading is a gift that needs to be shared. Dealing hope is how we share that gift. Look for opportunities with your team, be intentional with your words and actions. Nothing is more fulfilling than helping others achieve things they never thought were possible. We do that by dealing hope!

For more information on building excellence in your teams, visit us at www.bluecollargrit.com. 
We would love to know how we could help!

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