High Performance Leaders Stay Calm

How are you under pressure?

When deadlines loom, when the client calls upset, when demands are unreasonable -- how do you react?

High performance leaders are not screamers. That stereotype might play on TV but never in a real workplace. Real leaders remain calm under pressure.

It's possible to communicate a sense of urgency without being a jerk. It's possible to elevate a conversation without yelling.

If we get angry it just gets in the way. People will react but they will also (actively or passively) get even. The cost is too high to get loud and emotional. High performance leaders stay calm.

Take a breath. Heck, take three deep breaths. Center yourself. Keep a view of the big picture. And then let the work take care of the work.

-- Doug Smith

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