All leaders will face situations that are testing emotionally, physically and relationally, but how you respond to these situations sets you apart from others.
Why is it important for leaders to stay calm under pressure?
The better you become at managing challenging situations and pressure, the more you will grow as a leader and the better you will be able to deal with stressful situations. Here we explore some of the behaviours of great leaders that could help you to improve your leadership skills.
Pausing before responding
Great leaders give themselves time to think before responding and committing themselves to a certain course of action. This extra time allows for a more considered response and also shows others that you are in clear control.
Taking a break
Knowing when to break and when to let others break will allow tension to dissipate. Great leaders know when to pause and reflect and do not simply charge ahead when tempers are frayed.
Refocusing aims
Having clarity of aims and outcomes helps focus to be maintained and keeps progress on track. Great leaders stop to ask what is being accomplished at regular intervals to ensure that the right progress is being made.
Conversing with peers
No great leader is alone. A great leader knows when to talk to peers and to those who have faced similar challenges. Speaking to a mentor, peer or adviser can help you to progress even in situations of pressure. Getting insight from others can be invaluable.
Believing in themselves
All great leaders need to believe in themselves. It is very easy to bring yourself down with negative emotions when you’re facing pressure, but great leaders need to back themselves all the way. If a leader cannot believe in themselves then others won’t be able to believe in their leadership.
Doing something different
Great leaders do not spend all of their time doing the same thing. Leaders need change and distraction too, and all great leaders know how to unwind with a change of scenery and focus.
Focus on the positives
Great leaders are always able to step back and see the positives through the negatives of pressure. Stepping back and appreciating the successes despite the pressure allows a clear perspective to be taken, instead of becoming bogged down in a small area of failure.
A great leader must believe in themselves and remain aloof to the pressures occurring around them. Taking time to pause and contemplate can offer clarity in situations of pressure and this can relieve strain throughout the ranks.