We seem to be living in an age of panic. That’s not just about the COVID-19 crisis, though we’re certainly seeing a level of mass panic that we haven’t seen in a long time. As leaders, it’s crucial that we keep a level head in a crisis. It doesn’t just go for pandemic-level fears — it goes for the small, everyday anxieties that can plague your team and your productivity.
While now more than ever we need to see cooler heads prevail, being the lighthouse in the storm is one of the defining and timeless characteristics of a great leader.
How do we do it, especially when everyone around you is in a panic? Here are my top tips for staying calm under pressure.
4 Ways to Be a Calm Leader in Stressful Times
1) Rely on the Facts
When people panic, misinformation abounds. This is particularly true in the Internet age, where anyone can publish and share anything they wish. It’s no surprise, then, that people become fearful of things that are plainly untrue. This happens in politics, health, and even in the business world.
The key here is for the leader to be well-versed in the facts.
Fact-checking is a lost art in the instant-share, knee-jerk reality we live in. Finding the facts can be difficult — as leaders, we have to lean on credible sources and fact-check everything we read. This takes time, but it allows us to have conversations with confidence. While facts may be grim, they allow us to form effective strategies and stop speculations.
If you are confronted with someone consumed by panic, be able to share the facts of the matter with them. Oftentimes, it will quell unfounded fears.
2) Shut Down Negative Spirals
We’re naturally prone to negativity and criticism. It’s true of all of us — not just those struggling with anxiety. We have a natural bend towards pessimism. While this negativity is not always unrealistic, putting several negative people together creates a spiral. That spiral leads to discouragement, despair, and panic.
As leaders, we need to re-route these conversations. While I don’t advise being overly optimistic about any given situation, being realistic is advised. We’re drawn to the worst-case scenarios, particularly in times of crisis — but this is the time to be realistic, not pessimistic. As leaders, draw attention to the reality. Allow your team to take control back by pointing out that yes, we might not be able to control the situation around us, but we can control our response.
And as leaders, as people, we are responsible for how we respond.
Even if you yourself are struggling with negative feelings, resist the urge to vent or feed into the negativity of others. Ground yourself in a realistic picture of the situation and use your position to encourage solutions.
3) Listen Empathetically
One thing we must recognize is that people in crisis — people in panic-mode — genuinely feel these emotions. They may be irrational or sourced from bad information, but the thoughts and feelings they have are very real.
It’s easy to become irritated or fed up with the panic, but as leaders, we have a responsibility to listen with empathy and acknowledgment. They might be wrong, but be willing to listen. When emotions run high, people are not as receptive to logical solutions. Recognize that often people are not looking for you to fix the problem, but they desire to be heard and understood.
Active, engaged listening is necessary. When you can show your team that you are with them in the midst of crisis, you can become a stronger pillar to lean on.
4) Offer Reassurance
In a position of leadership, you have a special responsibility to have an answer in times of crisis. This isn’t to say you have the solution. What it does mean is that you have to be ready to respond. A silent leader doesn’t inspire confidence. Instead, tackles issues head-on with confidence and determination. Even if you don’t know what to do yourself, offer reassurance that you are working diligently to do what you are able and taking appropriate measures to see the best possible outcomes.
While leaders may not be able to stop those around them from falling prey to panic, it is our responsibility to keep a level head. Ground yourself in facts, in reality, and in actionable steps. When you focus on what you are able to do versus the things that are beyond your control, you will better be able to calm the fears and lead even in difficult times.
How do you calm those around you in the midst of a crisis? Share your strategies in the comments.