Sending an SOS

Maybe National Athletic Trainers'​ Association needs to refocus their energies on their loyal members rather than being distracted by those jumping ship.

Good leadership is treating people well, helping them flourish, and unlocking potential, these are all good practices regardless of the environmental circumstances.

NATA may be drowning those that have kept with the ship this whole time.

Here are six principles to follow when your organization starts to feel like a sinking ship.

1. Look for opportunities to turn things around

If there’s a chance of saving what you still have, first seek input from customer-facing members. Their front-line perspective could provide valuable insight into how the organization needs to change. Second, do small experiments with alternative business models. What kinds of products and services would members welcome that we don’t offer? The goal is to alter the organization’s course away from the one that got you into this mess.

2. Give your team a larger purpose

To keep people focused, give them something to work toward. Identify a profound purpose that is more important than the individual benefit. People want to believe their work matters in any situation. This can be tough when the company’s success is no longer the goal but you might select something that employees value personally; leaving a legacy or proving critics wrong.

3. Provide reasonable incentives

Find ways to reward good work. After all, if the organization is failing and members are going to keep working, why wouldn't they lose focus and jump ship with the others? What’s in it for member?

Make clear what they will get if they do their best in this trying time. Will they learn a skill that will help them in their current/next job? How will the experience help them grow professionally?

4. Show people they matter as individuals

Don’t offer the same things to everyone, people want to be seen as individuals. Tailor your message and the incentives to specific team members. Whenever possible, give them personal attention and care. When news of the crisis hits, meet with your members 1-on-1. Find out what matters most and do your best to meet those needs.

5. Be honest and authentic...always!

Being transparent is crucial in these circumstances. Whatever you know, share it with your members, be as honest as you possibly can. Don’t try to protect people from the truth or ignore what’s happening. And don’t say anything you don’t mean. In tough situations like these, people are on high alert for lies and inauthentic messages.

6. Don’t ignore emotions

People are going to be upset, afraid, and angry. Don’t pretend that these feelings don’t exist, make room for them. You don’t want to dismiss emotions. It only drives them underground and makes them more deeply felt. It’s important to acknowledge feelings, especially negative ones.

Managing People on a Sinking Ship (hbr.org)

Shelby 7/2024