6 Ways To Remain Calm & Collected As A Leader

In times of crisis, a leader’s ability to remain calm and collected can make all the difference. This isn’t just about maintaining your own sanity; it’s about setting an example for your team. A great illustration of this comes from a scene in the movie Six Days, Seven Nights, starring Harrison Ford and Anne Heche.

The Scene: A Crash and a Crisis

Picture this: a career-driven magazine editor (played by Anne Heche) is on an island vacation, and a carefree pilot (played by Harrison Ford) is hired to take her home. As fate would have it, they end up crashing on a deserted island. Panic sets in for Heche’s character as she frantically tries to figure out how to survive. In stark contrast, Ford’s character maintains a laid-back attitude.

At one point, they climb to the highest mountain on the island, hoping to find a beacon tower. But instead, they find nothing. Heche’s character is visibly distressed, while Ford’s character steps into a wooded area, unleashes his frustration by yelling and shaking trees, and then returns, calm and composed. Heche’s character, bewildered by his calm demeanor, says, “Ever since we’ve been here, you’ve been so confident. You have all the answers.”

Ford’s character responds with a line that has stuck with me as a profound leadership lesson: “Well, I’m the captain. That’s my job. It’s no good for me to go waving my arms in the air and screaming, ‘s***, we’re gonna die!’ That doesn’t invoke much confidence, does it?”

The Lesson: Leaders Set the Tone

This scene is a brilliant example of how leaders set the tone for their teams. In moments of crisis, your team looks to you for guidance and reassurance.

Here are 6 ways to help you remain calm and collected when situations arise in your organization:

1. Embrace Your Role

Understand that, as a leader, your reactions are under constant scrutiny. Your team takes cues from you on how to behave. If you panic, they will likely follow suit. But if you stay calm, you give them a reason to believe that everything will be okay. Whether you like it or not…you’re the role model for your team.

2. Find Healthy Outlets for Frustration

It’s natural to feel stressed or frustrated in difficult situations. The key is to find a way to express these emotions constructively. Whether it’s taking a walk, a private moment to vent, or a quick meditation session, find what works for you. Like Ford’s character, find a way to let off steam (in a healthy way) without alarming your team.

3. Communicate Clearly and Confidently

In times of uncertainty, clear and confident communication is crucial. Share what you know, what you’re doing to address the situation, and how your team can help. Transparency fosters trust and confidence among your team members. Be honest with your team.

4. Lead by Example

Your behavior sets the standard for your team. Demonstrating resilience and a positive attitude, even in challenging times, encourages your team to adopt the same mindset. Show them that challenges are opportunities to grow and innovate. Be what you want to see in your team.

5. Stay Solution-Focused

Focus on what you can control and work towards solutions. This keeps your mind engaged and proactive rather than getting stuck in a cycle of worry and fear. Encourage your team to brainstorm and collaborate on finding solutions together. Keep your eyes forward on progress.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Finally, don’t forget to take care of your physical and mental health. If you study some of the most successful people, you will find they have created vast amounts of margin in their schedule to recover and replenish their energy. Always outputting and never inputting will be your ultimate downfall.

The way you handle adversity as a leader can significantly impact your team’s morale and effectiveness. By staying calm, communicating clearly, and setting a positive example, you can guide your team through even the most challenging situations. Remember, leadership is not just about having all the answers; it’s about showing confidence and resilience when it matters most.