Dear Leaders,
I’ve often heard the phrase, “Leaders set the tone,” and while that’s true, I’ve always wanted to add, “and the temperature.” Leadership requires knowledge and skills, and one of the most essential skills is the ability to maintain a sense of poise and calm in times of uncertainty and stress. After all, so much of an organization’s culture is reflected in what the leader models for others. That’s why it’s so important for those of us who choose the path of leadership to work hard at staying steady and to show the ability to remain calm and composed, even during tough times, uncertainty, and chaos.
This doesn’t mean ignoring stress or pretending not to feel emotions like frustration, apprehension, or anxiousness. We’re all human, and embracing our shared humanity often helps to build connections with others. Instead, leaders have the chance to serve as models for others, demonstrating how we can reframe our thinking and slow down enough to settle and center ourselves so that temporary emotions don’t impair our decision-making. Our leadership maturity enables us to understand that being present in the moment should not lead us to act in ways that contradict our core values. So, how do we put this into practice?
- Practice self-awareness. Recognizing when we’re leading from emotion rather than logic and reason can signal us to recenter. Sometimes that means taking a few deep breaths, pausing to gather our thoughts, or hitting the reset button.
- Model what you aim to demonstrate. Reminding others during times of uncertainty or chaos that everything will be okay isn’t just about optimism. It’s an opportunity to practice the skill you’re working to improve. Those reminders aren’t only for those you serve; they also serve as reminders to yourself.
- Find an accountability partner. If you’re committed to staying calm and composed no matter what’s happening around you, ask a colleague or friend to hold you accountable for maintaining your intended demeanor and to alert you if you fall short.
- Reflect and recalibrate when things don’t go as planned. If you find that you didn’t quite show up the way you wanted, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, take a moment to reflect, identify where you lost focus, and create a plan for next time.
Remember, leading with a sense of calm and steadiness, especially in hectic times, takes lots of practice. I certainly haven’t always shown up cool and collected every time I’ve faced a hectic situation, but I’ve never stopped trying to meet that goal. As a leader, I see that as one of many ongoing responsibilities. It’s something to work on throughout our leadership journey, regardless of how seasoned we become.
This week, let’s show up in a way that steadies the ship so we don’t rock the boat, and remember to lead with courage, heart, soul, and from the inside out!
Yours in Leadership,
Dr. Latoya Dixon
Leadership With Latoya 