Lost Your Cool!!

For leaders, it is very important to maintain their composure. The whole organization looks up to them. They have a great influence on a large number of people. This puts tremendous pressure on them. At the same time, global business has become more unpredictable, unexpected competition is throwing plans out of gear and technology is changing at a rapid pace. This makes working under “survival mode” a continuous feature with the threat of livelihood.

Some leaders find maintaining composure difficult. They are many times when they not fully prepared for the changes. Their reaction borders on panic and happens frequently. The constant worry makes them react and it can lead to out of proportion reactions. Their inability to remain calm is seen as a lack of confidence.

Leadership is Visible Behaviour

The followers need to see “leadership” and to feel it. The “Overall Presence” of the leader creates a connection to the people. It makes people feel safe and secure. The employees need reassurance. This comes from the body language of the leader which shows his poise and calm demeanor. The agility and zest to face the tough situation should be apparent. This will communicate a positive attitude and his past reputation will strengthen faith in the leader and build respect. But what can the leader do achieve this state?

What Leader Can do

Self Awareness 

Leadership is cultivated over some time. The leader should continuously try to improve his self-awareness. For this taking regular and authentic feedback either directly or indirectly will help him to identify his hot buttons. Maintaining a journal and building an inventory of factors that cause emotional reactions have to be understood. With the help of the right coach discover how to improve. Get some assessment done if recommended by a coach.

Mostly the emotional reactions stem when we see the situation from our angle. The leader should reflect and modify his view of the situation. Sharing the problems with close ones will also help set the perspective right. The challenges being faced are not personal but only related to business. The responses will be different. 

Communicate Wisely

Before communicating, understand by listening more. Firstly, it will help you to stay grounded with reality. To understand the reality you have to avoid being judgemental. Secondly, it will help you to be aware of the concerns in the minds of your team. Clarify and ask till you have reached the real concern. You can now address the issues and reassure that you have been in such situations in the past and have handled it. It will help you to even turnaround their thought process and make them see the adversity through the lens of opportunity.

Projecting Confidence

The leader has to show that he is not afraid to face a tough situation and possess decisiveness. This should be done with conviction and without a shadow of a doubt. The poise and calmness exuded by him will exude confidence and build trust. The trust and faith in leadership will boost leaders on self-control and maintain emotional balance. 

Be Accountable and Hold Others Accountable

Leaders should gain respect being transparent and accept the mistake when they are wrong. Holding themselves accountable will add to the image. Shifting blame to others will undermine trust and team confidence. Further willingness to correct course as soon as the need arises will show the ability to tackle the situation. The leaders should also hold team members accountable for the work done by them. Being fair and just will strengthen confidence.

Conclusion

Lack of composure for a leader can derail the career. Improving composure requires continuous efforts to develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, projecting confidence and smart use of accountability.