How to deal with a crisis of confidence

Mistakes happen. Every person on the payroll makes them. Although never made with malice, they happen. Failures occur at every level. When a leader makes a mistake—a decision made too quickly or an error in judgment—it may lead to significant consequences. In addition, it may affect the leader directly, causing this person to question their motives, even their ability to do the job. When an error moves above the repair and move on stage, it might be time to step back and take a look at the day-to-day calendar. Is the leader doing too much to allow each task the necessary commitment of focus and time?

The leader is the chief executive, the person the team looks up to for support, guidance, and direction. Certainly, everyone knows the leader is human, but because this person stands at the top of the org chart, all have confidence this person holds the wheel firmly in hand. Difficulties can arise when something goes so wrong that the leader questions their own judgment, even their skills. Instead of the leader tossing blame towards the mirror in that moment, it might be better to step back, find a quiet spot, and work the problem, not the supposition.

This is not a post simply about mistakes. It is about leadership and knowing when to step back. When gaining perspective is essential. It is about retooling the assets, the team, and the calendar to ensure that a fix is in place and that hospitality, job #1 of the property, remains the focus. In this In My Opinion post, I will offer three thoughts on how a leader can push through tough situations, move forward, be more secure and knowledgeable while remaining a strong manager, and a proactive leader.

Focus on the proper fix. When a more major mistake happens, it’s easy to cast blame, take over the entire situation, and throw the full weight of the position in every direction. Isn’t it more valuable to bring people together, reduce stress in that moment, and together find the path forward? Appreciate that the team wants to help. Your managers are ready to step up and do what must be done. Allow experience and training to kick in. Meet with the necessary people. If team members must be removed, there will be time for those steps later in the process. Focus on the major issues, solve the problem, and then finish the job, completing the circle.

Do a complete autopsy of the mistake once things have calmed down. All on the management team need to understand what happened and why. Reinforcing the desire to all that it cannot happen again is critical. If people need to be let go, this is the time. Before anyone loses their job, however, managers should know the entire story, the full story, and move with the best of intentions. Small errors are a part of the business day. Large mistakes must be handled and solved 100%. Learn what happened, how, and why. Be certain you have the full story, the true story.

Have confidence in your own skills. You were hired because you are qualified. If something happens that brings all eyeballs in your direction, understand it is the way things work. It is important to remain confident in your own abilities. It is important to remain aggressive in your mission to operate and manage the business successfully. As the leader, you hold the key to the entire operation. As the person in charge, you have the responsibility for property, assets, and people. Hold tightly onto and continue to demonstrate your leadership qualities. Ownership depends on your success just as the team on the field. Allow their trust and confidence to help you move past tough times. Get back to the real work of the club. Focus on operations, safety, the experience, and everyone having a great day of golf.

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Jack Dillon writes the In My Opinion posts. Jack is a long-time consultant to the golf industry. Jack is a Speaker, Author, and Operations expert. He can help you and your team grow and succeed in new ways. Successful business is about people and Jack can show you the way. Learn more at www.youdontknowjackd.com. You can also call Jack at 407-973-6136. Jack lives in Orlando.