There is a temptation to “take a break” from your advisory team. Hey, you figured out who you wanted and did the work to get them on your team. That wasn’t easy, so you start feeling like you need to get others things done. You have them available if you need them. Besides, you probably don’t need them right now, so there really isn’t anything to talk about, right?

No, it’s time to get to work and to talk to them. At best, you’re probably missing some critical moments to improve your situation by maintaining communications with them. At worst, you may not be seeing a crisis that is developing. Either situation isn’t good. You need to think about some key points which will allow you to succeed and to keep you out of trouble. Here are a few.

Prepare for the good times before they happen.

Everyone likes good times. Most good times don’t happen by accident. Instead, they happen with some good planning and some foresight. If you can get the input and advice from those who are committed to your success, you will find that they will see opportunities for you to get some wins. Having others who are walking with you and understand you will give you the enhanced vision you need to recognize the right opportunities. If you prepare for the opportunities with your team, you’re going to find that you will see them a whole lot quicker and easier.

Plus, everyone likes to talk about the possibilities of good things to happen. It’s fun to talk about the “what-if” scenarios and to consider how things could work out in your favor. If you talk to your executive team members about your potential ideas and future plans, it allows them to speak into those possibilities and to help you realize them. Additionally, it gives you a sense of motivation and a boost of energy.

Prepare for the bad times before they happen.

We’re not talking here about dealing with bad times that are going to happen or are currently happening here. That’s for another post. What we’re talking about is the discussion of what you and your team will do if and when crisis happens. Crises are going to happen. Planning your “crisis management plan” ahead of time allows you to manage those situations well. By anticipating what should happen before it happens allows you to have clarity and focus as you implement your plans that you have built ahead of time.

Keep in mind that sports teams put together a “game plan” before they compete. They know that they are going to face conflict. They realize that the healthy, beneficial way to deal with crises is to plan for them and to know what to do beforehand. Organizations and team can do the same thing. Talking about what you plan to face is a good way to avoid anxiety and increased trouble when it happens. Talk to your team about what could happen and rehearse solutions while everything is calm and in control.

Create and maintain momentum for your success by leading your team.

When you have good momentum moving in your favor, you don’t want to lose it. All of the initiatives and the effort that you have put into something creates momentum. You don’t want it to slow down or, worse yet, to go away. You want to keep reaping the benefits of the work you’ve completed. A great way to keep that momentum running and growing is to lead your team in being an integral part of that momentum.

Share what you’re doing with your team members and ask them if they can be a part of the momentum. Sometimes they can provide you ideas to grow the exposure of your initiatives. Or they can talk to those they know and connect you with people that can spread the word. In some cases, your team members may know people who can provide significant resources and benefits for you and your organization. It all starts with talking with your team members and leading them to join your initiatives and projects. Don’t keep what you’re doing as a secret. Engage with your executive team and show them that your ideas and projects are important.

Keep the communications open and running with your executive team. Give them constructive, positive ideas to think about. Create enthusiasm and interest as it will help you with your momentum. If you can return the favor and help them in the same ways that you’re asking them to help you, a great level of trust will develop and grow. We all want and need people to walk with us throughout our lives and careers. Give others the chance to do that with you and for you to do that for others.