E264:During Crises Feel, Consult, Think, Then Act

The panic or anger buttons are traps. They are a knee-jerk reaction, a primal urge to do something – anything – even if that something is ultimately useless or, worse, counterproductive.

In the midst of chaos (especially sudden chaos), what we truly need is a compass. Not a device that tells us where north is, but a deeper understanding of our why. Why are we doing what we are doing? What change are we seeking to make in the world?

Purpose as the Antidote to Panic

When we’re clear on our purpose, the noise fades away. The urgent becomes less pressing. We gain the clarity to see the forest for the trees, to distinguish between the truly important and the merely distracting and reactive...

Purpose is our compass. It guides our decisions, our actions, our very being. When the world throws a curveball, we don’t panic. We consult our compass, recalibrate, and move forward with intention.

Solutions, Not Reactions

Being reactive and emotionally-driven is easy. It’s a reflex, a survival mechanism. But it is not necessarily smart and it rarely leads to meaningful progress. When we react (because of ego, insecurity, pride and anger), we’re at the mercy of internal demons and external forces. We’re playing defense, scrambling to put out fires without addressing the underlying causes. It is a circumstantial reaction not a strategic response.

Solutions, on the other hand, require a different mindset. They demand that we pause, reflect, consult, assess the situation, and consider the long-term consequences of our actions. They call for creativity, selflessness, self-mastery, innovation, seeing the big picture, focusing on true priorities, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, if needed.

When we focus on solutions, we’re not just reacting to problems – we’re actively shaping the future.

Emotional Intelligence, Not Emotional Hijacking

Emotions are powerful. They can fuel our passion and drive us to achieve great things. But they can also cloud our judgment and lead us astray.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage our emotions, to harness their energy without being consumed by them. It’s about staying centered in the midst of chaos, making decisions based on reason and empathy, not fear and anger.

When we’re emotionally intelligent, we’re not immune to fear or sadness, but we don’t let those emotions dictate our actions. We acknowledge them, process them, and then choose how to respond.

The Path Forward

The world will always be chaotic (get used to it). There will always be crises, challenges, and unexpected setbacks. In the universe of leadership, that is the norm and the core of the job description. But we don’t have to be slaves to reactivity and panic.

By embracing our purpose, focusing on solutions, and cultivating emotional intelligence, consulting wise people, we can navigate any storm with grace and determination - strategically in the direction of our purpose. We can turn challenges into opportunities, setbacks into stepping stones. Brilliant leaders do that, they turn a crisis into an opportunity to solve chronic problems (I said brilliant leaders)

So, the next time the world feels like it’s on fire (tomorrow and what comes next), don’t reach for the panic or anger buttons. Reach for your compass.

Remember your why, what matters, the pig pictures, and windows of opportunities. Seek solutions. If emotions are inevitable, lead with emotional intelligence.

The world needs your calm, your clarity, your wisdom, your courage.

Feel, consult, think, then act.

Michael - get used to crises!

Global CEO Academy - elevate your leadership skills! Dive into advanced training, connect with global leaders, and gain invaluable insights. Take action now to propel your career to new heights.