“Big ship sailing on the ocean, we don’t need no commotion.” – Freddie McGregor, Big Ship Sailing on the Ocean. But what happens when the captain only shows up when the sea is calm, and vanishes when the storm hits? This is the reality for many teams—leaders who are quick to claim credit when everything’s going right but disappear the moment things go wrong. As a leader, this behavior doesn’t just breed frustration; it escalates the situation, creating a toxic environment where employees feel unseen, unappreciated, and ultimately disengaged. It’s a pattern that not only harms morale but undermines trust, loyalty, and the very foundation of a high-performing team.

So, what kind of leader do you want to be? One who takes credit when things go smoothly but vanishes during tough times, or one who stands by your team through both calm seas and stormy weather, owning both the successes and the failures?

Share the Credit

When leaders grab all the credit but vanish when things go wrong, the consequences extend beyond a simple mistake. It erodes trust, which is the bedrock of any strong team. Trust isn’t built on success alone—it’s formed when leaders stand by their teams, particularly when the going gets tough. Abandoning them during tough moments sends the message that their hard work doesn’t matter.

Employees notice when leaders are only interested in the glory. This leads to disengagement, reduced motivation, and, ultimately, increased turnover. Disengaged employees aren’t as productive, and they’re far less likely to stay long-term.

Leaders Who Attach Themselves to Success, But Flee from Failure

We’ve all seen it: a leader who thrives when everything’s running smoothly but disappears when the team faces struggles. These leaders are quick to claim victory, but when the team faces obstacles, they disappear, leaving their employees to handle the fallout.

This behavior undermines team cohesion and fosters resentment. Employees start feeling that their hard work is unnoticed, and their leader is more concerned with personal success than with supporting the team. Over time, this can lead to a toxic work environment where morale suffers, and talented employees begin looking for a place where they feel truly valued.

Would I Want to Work for Someone Like Me?

If you’re in a leadership role, ask yourself: Would you want to work for someone like you? Would you stay motivated and valued if you only received recognition during success and no support during tough times?

True leadership isn’t about claiming credit; it’s about owning both the victories and the failures. It’s about standing by your team through the tough times and showing them that you’re there for them, no matter what. Great leaders build a culture of trust, mutual respect, and consistent support, regardless of the circumstances.

Lift Others Up

Recognition is one of the simplest and most powerful tools in leadership. It’s not about extravagant gestures; sometimes, a simple “thank you” or acknowledging someone’s hard work in front of the team can have a huge impact. When leaders consistently recognize their teams—especially during challenging times—it helps build morale and encourages a positive work culture.

On the other hand, leaders who fail to recognize their teams risk creating disengaged employees, which can hurt productivity and retention. If you want to keep your team motivated and engaged, recognition is key—even when things don’t go as planned.

True Leadership is About Ownership and Recognition

Leadership is more than taking credit for the wins—it’s about taking responsibility for both the successes and the failures. A great leader shares credit, takes ownership of outcomes, and ensures their team feels valued, no matter the circumstances.

As a leader, you have the power to shape the culture of your team. The question is: What kind of culture are you building? Are you the one who disappears during tough times, or do you show up, take responsibility, and create a supportive environment where everyone is motivated to give their best?

References:

McGregor, F. (1987). Big ship sailing on the ocean [Song]. On Big Ship Sailing on the Ocean [Album]. Jamma Discs.

Let’s Talk

Have you experienced a leader who took credit but disappeared when things went wrong? Or have you witnessed the opposite—a leader who truly supported their team through difficult times? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!