How you as a leader handle stressful situations has a dramatic effect on your people. Are you resilient and bounce back during stressful times or cover the wagons?
The most successful leaders in my executive coaching programs manage pressure well. They stay focused in the present moment. Resilient leaders convey confidence and courage in facing difficult business challenges.
How do you handle pressure? Do you model good stress management skills? The emotions of a company's leaders are transmitted to employees.
A leader’s actions during stressful times have a profound impact on the firm’s culture and employees’ behaviors. Successful leaders must be aware of their personal stress triggers and reactions. Behaviors should be consistent with beliefs and core values, no matter how severe the stress.
Pressure is a normal part of doing business, but it affects people differently. What may evoke anxiety for one individual may not bother someone else. As a leader, you are watched closely. Emotions are contagious—even more so when they come from the leader.
You must be sufficiently self-aware to recognize the situations that create anxiety for you and manage your behavior to avoid sending counterproductive messages to your people.
Ask yourself:
• Which events create pressure for me?
• How do I behave under pressure?
• What signals do I send to subordinates?
• Are these signals helpful, or do they undermine the success of my business?
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