Under pressure - how to lead when things get tough

Las week, I wrapped up a leadership development programme for high-performing middle managers. By the end of the programme, each participant had developed a clear vision of their unique leadership style and how they operate at their best as a leader.

So far, so good. But our next discussion focused on something equally important—how does having a leadership vision translate into the day-to-day realities of being a leader? Yes, it's helpful when preparing for a promotion panel or interview, but how does it impact their daily role?

As a leader, there will be times when you are leading under pressure. Whether you're dealing with underperforming teams, managing relationship conflicts within the group or navigating other tough situations, there will be times when leading is hard.?

This is where a personal leadership vision proves its worth. When you're clear on how you want to lead, that vision becomes your guiding compass, helping you make thoughtful, aligned decisions—especially in those difficult moments when it matters most.

Focus on making prompt and effective decisions.

A key element of leading under pressure is making the right decisions when there is no clear, obvious answer. Having a personal leadership vision becomes invaluable in these situations.

When faced with difficult choices, your leadership vision acts as a guiding framework—a set of principles to help you evaluate your options. Instead of being overwhelmed by the uncertainty, you can ask yourself: “If I were leading at my best and fully living out my leadership vision, what would I do right now?”

While this may not always yield a single perfect solution, it will often narrow down the choices. Some options will naturally disappear, leaving you with decisions more aligned with your authentic leadership style and values.

Ultimately, your leadership vision isn't just about long-term goals or ideal scenarios. It’s about equipping yourself to make thoughtful, effective decisions in the moments that matter most—especially when you're under pressure.

For example, Katie’s leadership vision was “I believe in creating teams that allow space for each member to grow both personally and professionally. To do this, I will foster a supportive environment that gently challenges and brings out the best in others”.?

When the team faced an extremely heavy workload, due to organisational changes and other issues, she decided to get her team together to discuss how the additional work should be allocated. She agreed with them that work would be delegated downwards more than usual to preserve individual work-life balance at the manager level. To compensate for junior staff feeling out of their depth, she dialled up the “supportive” element of the team culture, encouraging both herself and her managers to spend more time coaching junior staff, and increasing the frequency of her check-ins with each member of the team.

When you've used your leadership vision to make a decision, it's always a good idea to test it with a couple of trusted mentors or peers. They might offer valuable perspectives or spot something you’ve overlooked. Be open to their feedback and make adjustments if necessary.

Finally, once you have made your decision, communicate it promptly and clearly. In high-pressure situations, team members can feel anxious and uncertain. At this time, they need clarity and reassurance that things are under control. Make sure they understand what’s expected of them, and let them know you’re there to support them in their efforts.

Whether you're navigating a workplace crisis and looking to strengthen your leadership, or things are going smoothly, and you're eager to explore how to lead at your best, a coaching programme with me could be just what you need. Get in touch to learn more about my approach, and we can set up a virtual coffee chat to discuss how I can support you. I’d love to help!