Tamara Jackson

We had a board in front of our team.

They kind of recapped their numbers from the prior day.

And I always updated it with the numbers.

But there was normally some type of statement of encouragement or something to motivate the team for the day.

And this day, I was so through with it that I just put a sad face.

Now, I don't know why I did that, but it just reflected, honestly, what I was feeling inside.

And then I remember feeling defeated because here I was trying to pour all my heart and soul into leading this team.

And no matter what I was doing, it wasn't working.

But here's the thing.

Many times there can be people that may not have an official leadership title.

I had someone, Stephanie, I still remember this moment and I still remember her name after all these years.

She was not leading a team, but she pulled me aside.

She said, Pam, what is this that you have on the board?

What is up with this, you know, sad face?

And I was explaining to her what was happening.

She said, you got to erase it.

You got to take it back because the team is looking to you for guidance and direction.

So if you give up, they will give up.

So I went back.

I erased the sad face that was reflective of my feelings about our performance.