Playbook for a team comeback

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Every workplace has seasons. There are spring moments when a team feels unstoppable. Energy is high, ideas flow easily and success feels natural. And then, a cold winter phase arrives. Momentum slows, results dip and optimism feels harder to hold onto. In such times, it’s tempting to push harder. Yet often, what’s needed isn’t more pressure but a sense of renewal, encouragement and hope.

As 2026 kicks off and last year’s targets sit on the horizon, leaders have a special role: to help challenged teams rise again. The good news is that a few intentional shifts offered with sincerity and steadiness can transform a struggling group into a hopeful, forward-moving one.

Before diving into new goals and plans, pause and acknowledge where the group currently is. People can sense when challenges are glossed over, and that can create distance rather than trust. Honest conversations, paired with warmth, go much further. Recognize hurdles of the past, appreciate efforts given, and highlight small wins that may have gone unnoticed. Empathy has quiet power. It reconnects people to purpose and reminds them they’re not alone.

Paint a picture of what’s possible

Teams move because of meaning, not targets. When people understand why a goal matters—how it improves lives, opens opportunities, or strengthens a company—they’ll feel more connected and committed. Paint a rosier picture of the year ahead, grounded yet uplifting, and consider this a gentle reminder to move forward with courage and trust, allowing better results to unfold.

Reset the rhythm, not just tasks

Poor results aren’t always about weak performance. Tired processes, outdated systems or unclear expectations could be the culprits. Take time to look at workflows and identify whatever slows down, frustrates or drains the enthusiasm of employees. Even one small fix such as a clearer reporting structure, better tools or fewer unnecessary meetings can feel like a breath of fresh air.

Celebrate effort, not just outcomes

When a team falls behind, every metric can be a reminder of failure. Shift the culture by appreciating even the smallest effort, improvement and initiative. Celebrate the team member who reached out to save an unhappy client, the one who learned a new skill, or the newbie that raised morale during a rough week. Encouragement is fuel and when people feel seen, self-confidence rises.

Lead with steadiness, not stress

Teams naturally reflect the tone of their leaders. Stress and urgency spread quickly, but so do calm and clarity. When leaders show consistency and composure, it gives everyone permission to relax and refocus. Simple moments of gratitude, reflection, or prayer during meetings can help reset the mood and create space for renewed spirits.

Neuroscience studies have linked mindful practices to a reduction in stress, while promoting greater resilience and positively reshaping the brain. Self-reflection or prayer can bring peace and emotional balance to a challenged work team. Whether through faith or moments of gratitude, remembering we don’t have to carry everything alone can be deeply reassuring. 

Build small wins early

Motivation is powerful. Set a few quick-achievable goals at the start of the year to help rebuild confidence. Once those are attained, team members will begin to believe that bigger targets are possible. 

At the end of the day, revving up a weary workforce is less about pushing harder. It’s more about lifting spirits, renewing focus and reminding people of the purpose behind the work. When team players feel supported and hopeful, they won’t just aim for achieving targets. They’ll surprise leaders and even themselves by soaring past them.

And who knows, maybe faith and belief in “better days” can become the spark. A stimulus for bursts of new energy to transform a tiring season into one of improvement and growth, with an enlightened team that shines — brighter than ever.