Showing Up Strong: What Teams Need Right Now

Posted by admin on Aug. 7, 2026  /  Subscribe 0

As summer break winds down and August brings with it back-to-school, trade shows, conferences and business travel, the sentiment I shared in my February blog remains – 2026 has been a heavy year.

Many organizations — including PRSA Dallas — are navigating challenging seasons. Membership growth across professional associations has slowed, budgets are tighter, and everyone is making careful choices about where to spend time, money, and energy. 

We understand because we’re living it too. And in times like these, one truth becomes clearer than ever: strong teams rely on strong team members more than ever. 

What is strong?

“Strong” doesn’t mean perfect. It doesn’t mean the loudest voice in the room or the person with the longest résumé. It means someone who shows up with intention, accountability, and a willingness to contribute to solutions.

I have had firsthand experience of strong team members by working alongside our PRSA Dallas board of directors. Each willingly offers their ideas and perspectives all aimed at how we can better serve our members. Each of them knows their unique strengths - planning, business savvy, creativity, relationship‑building – and all are willing to roll up their sleeves and show up. Now that’s a team that weathers challenging times together.

As communications professionals, we often support teams that are navigating uncertainty. We help others communicate clearly, stay aligned, and move forward. But being a valuable team member starts with how we show up.

When team members flex their muscles, they…

1. Solve problems — not just spot them.

Identifying issues is helpful; stopping there isn’t. Strong team members say:

“Here’s the problem — and here are a few ways we could address it.”  

Even imperfect solutions show initiative and strengthen trust.

2. Don’t make excuses.

Mistakes happen. Excuses stall progress.

Valuable team members say:

“This didn’t go well. Here’s what I learned, and here’s how I’ll improve.”  

Accountability builds credibility.

3. Seek to understand.

Teams thrive when people recognize that different perspectives aren’t “right or wrong” — they’re simply different. Ask questions. Consider context. Look for the bigger picture.

4. Shape culture.

Culture isn’t created by leaders alone. It’s built by every person who chooses positivity, respect, and responsibility — especially when things get hard.

Why This Matters Now

Many teams — especially communications teams — are stretched thin. Some are rebuilding. Some are navigating transitions. Some are trying to do big things with a small staff and little money.

That’s why PRSA Dallas is focusing in the coming months on helping professionals strengthen their value, confidence, and leadership.

We have two upcoming programs that directly support this theme:

Inside the Mind of a Hiring Manager - Aug 28, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

A candid look at what leaders really value in candidates — skills, behaviors, mindset, and the qualities that make someone stand out. Whether you’re job-seeking, hiring, or simply wanting to grow, this session will help you understand how to show up as a high-value team member.

Nonprofit Workshop - Save the date - Friday, Sept 25, 8 AM - 12 PM

Designed specifically for nonprofit communicators who often operate with small teams and big missions. This summit will offer practical strategies to maximize impact, strengthen collaboration, and elevate your role — even when resources are limited. Stay tuned for registration details.

Both events reinforce the same message: your value isn’t defined by your title — it’s defined by how you contribute.

Your Invitation This Month

As we move through August, I encourage you to reflect on how you show up on your team — at work, in volunteer roles, and in your community.

Ask yourself:

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