By Bill Mason, Rocket Fuel Coach
Every team has those moments when a usually dynamic teammate suddenly seems “off.” Whether it’s the strong communicator who goes quiet or the driven competitor who loses steam, these dips are often signs of “basement” behaviors—when a strength temporarily turns into a struggle. Recognizing these moments and knowing how to respond can help your colleagues rise back to their “balcony,” where their natural talents shine brightest. Here are two common examples and how you can help.
Unlocking Your Co-worker’s Communication Superpower
Do you have a co-worker who’s usually the life of the conversation but, every so often, becomes unexpectedly quiet? I’ve got one on my team who’s typically amazing at sharing ideas, rallying the team, and sparking discussions. But recently, during a critical meeting, they just sat there—silent and disengaged. It was like watching a Communication pro stuck in the basement of hesitation!
This is a classic case of “basement” behaviors for someone with the Communication strength. When they’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, they can shut down and struggle to express themselves. But at their core, they have an amazing ability to captivate an audience, simplify complex ideas, and bring energy to any conversation.
How can we help them get back to their “balcony” and shine? Here are 3 ideas:
Create a Safe Space – Encourage open dialogue and ensure they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts without judgment. A little encouragement can reignite their natural voice.
Ask for Their Insights – Involve them early in discussions, giving them the chance to contribute. This can help them feel empowered to speak up.
Celebrate Their Storytelling – Acknowledge when they share an idea clearly or engage others in meaningful ways. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence to keep communicating!
Unlocking Your Co-worker’s Competitive Edge
Do you have a co-worker who’s normally driven to be the best, but every now and then, seems to get discouraged by the competition? I’ve got one on my team who’s typically all about pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. But recently, when another team member delivered a strong result, they seemed to shut down and lose their spark. It was like watching a natural competitor stuck in the basement of self-doubt!
This is a classic case of “basement” behaviors for someone with the Competition strength. When they feel outmatched, they can become discouraged or overly focused on comparisons instead of celebrating their own success. But at their core, they have an amazing ability to rise to the challenge, elevate performance, and inspire others to strive for greatness.
How can we help them get back to their “balcony” and shine? Here are 3 ideas:
Reframe the Challenge – Encourage them to focus on their own progress rather than comparing to others. Highlight their personal growth and victories.
Celebrate Their Wins – Acknowledge their achievements, no matter the size. Recognition can fuel their competitive spirit and remind them of their own capabilities.
Foster Healthy Competition – Create an environment where competition is seen as a way to elevate everyone’s game, not just to win. This can turn their drive into motivation for the whole team.
At the end of the day, whether it’s Communication or Competition, every strength has both a balcony and a basement. By encouraging safe spaces, celebrating wins, and reframing challenges, we can help our teammates rise to their best. Let’s help them get back to their powerful, dynamic Communication style—and let’s help them tap into that competitive fire and keep striving for excellence.
Stay strong, Bill Mason, Rocket Fuel Coach
Fuel Your Strengths. Ignite Your Potential. Let’s talk! Contact me at (850)-855-3430 or Bill@RocketFuelCoach.com.
