How to Lead in Times of Crisis: My Approach to Staying Calm and Focused
Leadership during times of crisis is one of the most challenging and, unexpectedly, one of the most transformative, experiences I’ve had. There’s an undeniable pressure that comes with it: the need to make quick decisions, the emotional weight of the situation, and the uncertainty that leaves everyone feeling like they’re walking on a tightrope. It can feel overwhelming, and at times, even impossible. But over the years, I’ve come to learn that the true strength of leadership in a crisis isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about staying calm, centred, and focused.
I’ll never forget a particular moment that taught me this lesson in the most powerful way. Years ago, the company I worked for faced an unexpected financial crisis. The news hit hard, and naturally, everyone was stressed, anxious, and uncertain about the future. It was a volatile situation that made it incredibly easy to get swept up in the panic and chaos. But I quickly realised that if I allowed myself to be consumed by fear or anxiety, I would only add to the noise. I wouldn’t be able to lead with clarity or offer the stability my team needed.
So, I made a conscious decision to centre myself. I took a few deep breaths and allowed myself a moment to reflect, not just on the present challenge, but on the bigger picture. I reminded myself of the long-term vision and the values that had always guided me. That grounded clarity became my anchor, and I knew that I had to hold steady in the storm, not just for my own sake, but for the sake of my team.
As I stood before my team, calm and composed, something shifted in the room. There was a sense of stability that came from my presence, something that was hard to put into words but powerful nonetheless. They could see that I wasn’t panicked, that I had the clarity to make tough decisions, and that gave them a sense of confidence. I could feel the collective anxiety begin to dissipate as they aligned with my energy. In that moment, I realised that emotional regulation in times of crisis is a leader’s superpower.
The key takeaway here is this: As a leader, your emotional state is contagious. If you remain calm and focused, even in the face of uncertainty, you create a sense of security and confidence for those around you. People look to you for guidance, and if they sense your steadiness, they will feel more capable of handling the challenges ahead. It’s not about having all the answers, but about showing up as a source of stability in a chaotic moment.
Here are a few actionable takeaways from my experience leading through a crisis:
Take a Deep Breath Before Reacting: In moments of crisis, it’s easy to react impulsively. But giving yourself space to breathe and think clearly allows you to make better decisions. The pause between stimulus and response is where clarity emerges.
Focus on the Long-Term Vision: It’s easy to get lost in the immediate pressure of a crisis, but when you have a clear sense of purpose and direction, it’s easier to make decisions that align with your values. Focusing on the long-term vision helps you navigate uncertainty with confidence and wisdom.
Lead with Emotional Regulation: Your emotions can either drive or disrupt your leadership. In times of crisis, keeping yourself grounded can help you stay focused on what truly matters. Your calmness can inspire those around you to do the same, creating a ripple effect of stability.
Leadership in times of crisis will never be easy. But it’s often in these most challenging moments that we discover the strength and resilience we never knew we had. By remaining calm, centred, and focused, we can guide our teams through the storm, emerging stronger and more united on the other side. And while we can’t predict the next crisis, we can prepare ourselves to lead with grounded clarity and purpose when it comes.
