Did you ignore it, contribute to it, or try to remediate it?

Just because you can’t turn the tide, doesn’t mean you can’t create your own eddies of enthusiasm.

We need generative energy. Every team does. It’s the lifeblood of all growth.

When a new person enters the organization, they shouldn’t be observing disengagement as the cultural norm from day one. They should be welcomed to the team a way that fires them up.

Otherwise, they’re only going to observe that enthusiastic participation is neither expected nor rewarded here, and adapt to that mode of behavior.

Behold, the cricket factor. Did you ignore it, contribute to it, or try to remediate it?

Here are several strategies you can try. Think of them as cricket management techniques.

Number one, document your existential triumphs.

Anytime you have a moment in which you stay true to your cherished values within the group, mark it down on your victory log. Be consistent and specific with your entries.

If you have to write down, told my boss a difficult truth about our new marketing campaign, then do it. If you have to put on your victory log, forgave my idiot coworker for missing yet another meeting, fantastic.

I execute this tactic on an hourly basis at work, and it’s had a disproportionate impact on my morale and productivity.

Two, don’t let the silence phase you.

Say there’s a task, project or announcement you’re excited to share with your group. When your message hurls out into the black hole, and there’s nothing but crickets on the other side, never let them see you sweat.

Pretend there was a resounding positive response. Hear laughter and applause and energy where there is none. This requires imagination, but once you get in the habit of doing it, eventually, the sound of crickets won’t feel like rejection, ego death or humiliation.

Because inside of your head, all you’ll hear is cheering.

I learned this trick giving speeches in foreign countries, where large audiences were listening through real time language translation headphones. In that environment, I didn’t have time to wait for the audience’s response.

That would throw off my speaking rhythm.

I simply heard my desired response inside my head, and kept going like nothing bad had happened. It’s the equivalent of raising your hand for a high five from someone, getting left hanging like a schmuck, but then slapping it yourself with a big smile on your face.

I know the sound of chipping crickets can be demoralizing and jarring.

But if you’re prepared to manage it well, then the discrepancy between success and engagement won’t make you want to hang yourself.

How does it make you feel when you’re the only person displaying enthusiasm?