First rule: Don’t react. Respond. Your team takes cues from you. If you panic, they panic. So, take a breath and focus on what’s within your control. Then, be open with your team as early as possible. Even if you don’t have all the answers. Transparency builds trust. “Here’s what we know.” “Here’s what we’re doing.” “Here’s what we need from you.” And after the dust settles, learn from it. The best leaders use crises as opportunities to refine processes, improve their team, and come back stronger.

In a crisis, emotional intelligence isn’t just helpful, it’s the anchor that keeps us steady. Pressure amplifies emotions, but strong leadership isn’t about suppressing them - it’s about channeling them into clarity and action. Instead of reacting to the chaos, we pause. We acknowledge emotions (ours and others’) without letting them take over. We communicate openly, not just to inform but to create stability. And rather than carrying the weight alone, we bring in different perspectives. When everyone feels heard and valued, we move from uncertainty to action.

Instead of reacting impulsively, take a deep breath and assess the situation objectively. This prevents panic from spreading and sets the tone for how others will respond. For example, if a major client threatens to pull their contract due to a mistake, rather than immediately assigning blame, acknowledge the issue, gather facts, and calmly work toward a solution. Active listening is another key aspect of emotional intelligence in a crisis. Your team will likely have concerns and ideas, and showing that you value their input fosters trust. Instead of dismissing their anxieties, you might say, “I understand this situation is stressful. Let’s go through what happened and brainstorm solutions together.”

From an IO psychology perspective, here are five key strategies I use when the pressure rises: 1. Self-Awareness – Recognize emotional triggers and reflect before reacting. 2. Reframing – Shift pressure from a threat to an opportunity to foster a growth mindset. 3. Social Awareness – Read nonverbal cues and emotions to adapt and de-escalate tension. 4. Relational Agility – Pause before responding and practice perspective-taking to maintain constructive communication. 5. Micro-Recovery Rituals – Use quick resets like breathwork or mindfulness to sustain emotional agility. Leading under pressure isn’t about suppressing emotions but channeling them effectively for clarity and impact. #ResilientLeadership

Appliquer l'intelligence émotionnelle en temps de crise, c'est assumer le r?le de médiateur. Aussi, c'est donner des temps de parole à chacun dans un cadre bien défini. En tant que leader, c'est écouter, comprendre les émotions et les besoins associés. Concrètement, c'est appliquer la méthode DESC ou bien encore OSBD !