I’ve been intrigued by the responses of people in reaction to LeBron James’ announcement to join the Miami Heat, especially those in Cleveland. It provides a great opportunity to demonstrate true leadership. It’s easy to be a leader when things are going well. But true leaders emerge in the midst of adversity because they establish themselves as people others want to follow—not by their position, but by their character.

The Cavaliers’ owner Dan Gilbert fired off this response to James’ announcement: “I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our ‘motivation’ to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.” Gilbert continued with an angry tirade, lashing out at LeBron’s character and making promises of championships without him.

Gilbert’s message: I refuse to take responsibility for the last seven years and not building a supporting cast around one of the best players in the league. It’s his fault for not sticking it out with us. We’ll show him!

Contrast Gilbert with the newly hired head coach, Byron Scott. He summed up his feeling about his new job with, “I came to work this morning with a big smile on my face knowing I was getting ready for a big season.” His underlying message? Things happen and life goes on. We’ll find a way of making it work in spite of our misfortune.

Standing back, it’s easy to compare two leaders reacting to the same situation. But when you’re in the middle of chaos, if you don’t stop to think through the best leadership response, you’re likely to respond in a way that’s ineffective and not your best.

You’re not your best when you go off half-cocked, blasting everyone else’s failings. You’re not your best when you crawl into your cave and sulk at how unfair everything is.

You’re not your best when you shrug your shoulders and simply acknowledge the reason is due to the incompetence that surrounds you.

This week, pay attention to your underlying message because it matters more than you think.