How Leaders Stay Calm Under Pressure

Leaders face monumental amounts of pressure every single day. Whether it’s the pressure of making important decisions, managing a team, or dealing with difficult conversations and situations, leaders must stay calm under pressure to succeed and keep the business moving forward.

Fortunately, there are some strategies that leaders can use to help stay calm under pressure when things get tough.

The Key Mentality of Calm Leaders

The first step in developing a calm mindset is to recognize the mental difference between those who remain calm and those who don’t.

Those who take time to practice their ability to remain calm, even under intense pressure, become better equipped to deal with challenging situations. Leaders must learn to manage their emotions and think objectively about the situation before reacting negatively. This will help them stay calm under pressure and make the best decision for their team.

Leading with Stress vs. Leading with Calm

Let’s take a look at a couple of scenarios.

Tom is the CEO of a large international company. He has to make snap decisions daily and is constantly under pressure to deliver results. As the situation intensifies, he often becomes flustered and overwhelmed. His thoughts start running wild, and he starts to second-guess himself and his decisions. This often leads him to make mistakes, which in turn leads to more impulsive decisions that can be costly for the business in the long run.

On the other hand, Sandra is also a CEO of an international company, but she takes a much different approach to pressure-filled situations. She can stay focused and calm under pressure by taking a few deep breaths and gathering her thoughts before acting. She listens carefully to her employees and considers all the facts. Then, she takes responsibility for her choices and works hard to make sure her team is prepared for quick shifts in project direction. This approach allows her to make more informed decisions that often result in better outcomes for everyone.

Tom and Sandra both face the same amount of pressure, yet they react differently. So what sets them apart? Why can one stay calm under pressure while the other struggles?

Tom allows his emotions to take over in intense situations, while Sandra takes a step back and assesses the situation from multiple angles before reacting. As a result, she maintains a reputation of being one who stays focused and calm by thinking logically and objectively about the problem instead of allowing her emotions to take control.

3 Strategies Leaders Can Implement To Stay Calm Under Pressure

Now that we understand the difference between leaders who keep their cool and those who don’t, let’s look at some strategies that can help leaders stay level-headed in tough situations.

1) Take a Beat

When things get intense or overwhelming, it can be tempting to act quickly. That, however, can lead to mistakes. Instead, pause and take a few deep breaths to clear your head. This will help you stay focused and provide the clarity you will need in the steps ahead.

2) Think Logically

• Look at the Big Picture. It can be easy to become overwhelmed when faced with intense pressure, but it is important to take a step back and assess the situation.
• Gather All the Facts. Make sure to gather all the information necessary before making any decisions. This will help you form a more objective view of the situation and make better-informed decisions.
• Consider Multiple Solutions. Take some time to consider different angles and solutions for the problem. It is important to keep an open mind and evaluate all the options before choosing the best one.
• Take Responsibility. Be prepared to take full accountability for your decisions. This will provide perspective on the decision in front of you and help guide you to the wisest choice.
• Seek Support. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Utilize the resources and knowledge of others in order to come up with a better solution and stay calm under pressure.

3) Develop Self-Awareness

• Make a list of the emotions you feel in pressure-filled situations.
• Pay attention to your thoughts and how they influence your actions.
• Notice your physical reactions (e.g., heart rate, breathing) when under pressure.
• Be aware of any tendencies you have to overreact or shut down in difficult situations.
• Reflect on how you handled past pressure-filled situations to identify any patterns or trends.

By utilizing these strategies, leaders can learn to stay calm under pressure and make better team decisions. Remember, it’s important to take the time to practice your ability to remain level-headed in challenging situations so that you can be well-prepared when the pressure is on.

Training Your Mind For Calm in Business and Calm in Life

Once you understand the mental difference between those who stay calm under pressure and those who don’t, it’s important to train your mind to stay calm. This can be done through mindfulness exercises like meditation and journaling that allow you to practice self-awareness, regulate emotions, and remain focused on the situation.

Exploring Positive Self Talk

To develop a calm mindset, leaders need to practice positive self-talk. This can be done by challenging negative thoughts about themselves and the situation with more positivity. For example, if a leader feels overwhelmed by the situation, they can tell themselves, “I can handle this,” or, “I am capable of finding a solution,” to help stay focused on the task at hand.

Practices for Relaxation

Another method of coping with pressure is to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Deep breathing can help to slow down the heart rate and reduce stress levels. Meditation can help increase focus and clarity.  Both of these options help one to stay calm under pressure. Mindfulness practice is another way for leaders to bring their attention to the present moment rather than worrying about what has happened or will happen in the future.

Managing Distractions

It can be difficult for leaders to stay focused when there are so many distractions. To truly stay calm during overwhelming situations, leaders must manage their environment to avoid distractions and stay on task. This could include limiting access to certain websites or putting the phone away while working on important tasks.

Planning Ahead

In order to stay calm under pressure, Leaders should also plan as much as possible. By having a plan of action, they can better anticipate potential challenges and create strategies that help them remain calm when things don’t go according to plan. This will also help leaders be more prepared and confident in their decisions.

Seeking Support

Finally, leaders need to remember that they don’t have to be alone in dealing with the pressures of their job. They can reach out to colleagues and mentors for guidance or to talk things through. A support system can help leaders stay level-headed and focused when facing difficult situations.

In Conclusion

Being able to stay calm under pressure is a key skill for any leader. By understanding how your mind works and developing strategies to help you stay in control, you can make better decisions that will benefit the team. With practice and self-awareness, leaders can learn to manage stress and remain focused on the task. That way, you can be more prepared and confident when the pressure is on.

For more ways to learn about the most innovative leadership techniques of the day, check out our 8-week online leadership training course or get in touch with the Eighth Mile team to learn more.

Jonathan Clark

Jonathan Clark is the director and co-founder of The Eighth Mile Consulting based in Sunshine Coast, Australia. Working with organisations, we facilitate change management, strategy development and risk management initiatives. We are good people, helping good people. We support positive projects and positive people.