True leadership is not only about basking in the highlights but also shining in the shadows of failure. It is easy to shine when everything is going well, yet effective leaders distinguish themselves by their ability to shine in the “lowlights”—when mistakes are made, projects fail, or things go miserably wrong. Standout professional coaches and trainers who, after losing a tough match, refrain from blaming their players is an example of shining in the lowlights. Instead, they acknowledge the team’s shortcomings, commend the opposing team, and emphasize the need for collective improvement, starting with themselves.
Effective leaders understand that taking ownership of “the lowlights” is not a sign of weakness but a testament to their strength and integrity. By shouldering the blame, they foster a culture of trust and accountability, encouraging their team to learn from failures and strive for excellence. This approach not only builds resilience but also inspires loyalty and commitment among team members.
Key Points for Leaders Who Want to Shine during “Lowlights”:
Embrace Accountability – take personal ownership for failures and use them as learning opportunities for yourself and your team.
Inspire Confident, Future Outcomes – remind everyone that while failing hurts, it is temporary and now in the past; and better outcomes lie around the corner when everyone works together.
Respect the Downtime or Grieving Process, to a point – let others go through their “down time” but put a limit on, reminding people that tomorrow is a new day.
As a diehard Green Bay Packer fan, it is hard to watch when they lose, yet I know there will be a positive aspect during the press conference with head coach Matt LaFleur. When LaFleur takes the stage after a Packer’s loss, you can feel the pain he is experiencing. Yet in these instances, he shines in the “lowlights,” accepting the loss, complimenting the opposing team, and coaching staff, declaring the team and coaches can do better, and that starts with him. You do not have to look any further for an example of shining in the lowlights than LaFleur, and that’s why he is one of the finest coaches in the National Football League, at the ripe young age of 49.
How do you and your leadership team set the example after failures, loses and mistakes to allow others to shine in the lowlights?
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