Leadership Edition - Harness the Potential in Your Team (Even When the Heat is On)

Leaders today are under pressure. Expectations are high, resources are stretched, and teams are being asked to do more with less. I’ve been there — leading regional teams, juggling multiple priorities, and trying to hit results while keeping people engaged.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned?

Your team isn’t just there to execute — they’re your greatest resource if you know how to harness their potential.

Think of it like a football team: you can have the most talented players, but if they don’t work together, communicate, and understand their roles, even the best squad will struggle to score. Leadership works the same way — your people are your players, and your role is to coach them to perform at their best.

Here’s how to get the best out of your team when it matters most:

1️⃣ Focus on what truly matters

Under pressure, everything feels urgent. Identify the 2–3 priorities that genuinely drive results. Make sure your team knows what must happen now, what can wait, and what can be delegated. Clarity ensures effort is spent on the things that move the needle.

2️⃣ Bring your team into the mix

Your direct reports aren’t just task-doers — they’re problem-solvers. Involve them collectively when challenges arise:

• Run short brainstorming sessions

• Ask for ideas on improving efficiency or processes

• Rotate responsibility so everyone contributes

The best plays come from teamwork and reading the field together. Harnessing your team’s collective brainpower delivers smarter, faster solutions — and your people feel ownership over the results.

3️⃣ Break work into achievable chunks

Large projects under tight deadlines can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller deliverables, assign ownership, and celebrate milestones. Small wins build momentum — just like scoring early in a match gives the team confidence to keep pushing.

4️⃣ Empower and remove obstacles

Step in to remove bureaucracy, simplify decisions, and give people authority to act. Empowered teams move faster, solve problems creatively, and feel trusted — like a well-coached midfield keeping the ball moving.

5️⃣ Recognise effort in real time

Acknowledgement drives performance. A quick, specific message like:

“I saw how you navigated that client challenge under pressure — excellent work”

…reinforces motivation far better than waiting for formal reviews. Think of it as giving players a high-five after a great pass or tackle.

6️⃣ Manage energy, not just output

Encourage micro-breaks, rotate tasks to prevent fatigue, and set boundaries. Teams that are mentally and physically supported maintain high performance — just like players need rest between matches to perform their best.

7️⃣ Keep the vision front and centre

Remind your team how their work fits into the bigger picture — it motivates, aligns focus, and sustains effort. It’s like keeping your eyes on the goalpost — everyone knows what they’re working towards.

Do you need help harnessing your team’s potential?

I work with leaders and organisations who are stretched thin, struggling with recruitment, or under pressure to deliver fast results. I help leaders:

• Streamline recruitment to hire the right people quickly

• Harness the collective brainpower of their teams

• Boost morale, engagement, and productivity under pressure

• Build practical leadership strategies that work today

Think of it as having a coach and advisor in your corner — someone who’s been there and knows how to get results without burning your people out.

📩 Send me a message on LinkedIn or email coach@charlesryman.com for a free leadership strategy consultation. Let’s look at your team, your priorities, and practical ways to harness their full potential.