Leadership Strategies to Remain Calm Under Pressure

Okay, I’m not going to lie, being a leader can be (is often) stressful.

Whether you’re dealing with tight deadlines, handling a team challenge, or managing a crisis, there are plenty of moments when the pressure feels overwhelming. However, here’s the thing: staying calm under pressure is actually a leadership skill.

It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers, it’s about knowing how to stay grounded when everything around you feels a little chaotic (or utterly bonkers!).

One way to stay focused is to use a tool I love called The Circle of Control. This simple concept helps you separate the things you can control from the things you can’t, which is super helpful when the stress is building up. It gives you a clear framework to focus your energy where it matters most.

The Circle of Control

The Circle of Control breaks everything down into three categories: things you can control, things you can influence, and things you can’t control at all. Let’s look at each of these a bit more closely.

1.    Things You Can Control

These are the things that are fully in your hands. How you react to situations, the decisions you make, and your mindset, all these are all things you can control. For example, when a team challenge pops up, you get to choose how you respond. Do you stay calm, collect your thoughts, and find a solution? Or do you react in a way that raises the stress levels? By focusing on what’s within your control, you can stay grounded and show up as a strong leader. This is where your leadership skills really come into play.

2.    Things You Can Influence

These are the things you might not have direct control over, but you can still have an impact. Maybe you can’t control how a team member performs, but you can influence them by giving feedback, setting clear expectations, and offering support. This is where leadership strategies like communication, coaching, and feedback can really make a difference. In group coaching, I often see leaders realise that while they can’t control everything, they can influence their team’s direction and motivation.

3.    Things Outside Your Control

Finally, there are things that are just out of your hands, things like the economy, changes in laws, or personal issues affecting your team. These things are beyond your control, so stressing over them is only going to drain your energy. Instead, focus on what you can influence. Trust that you've done everything you can in those areas and let go of the rest. Navigating stressful times can be significantly made easier when you accept and focus on what you can control and influence and ignore everything outwith your control.

Setting Boundaries for Your Wellbeing

One specific thing you can do to help you keep calm under pressure is to stop making yourself available at all times. You don’t need to always be answering emails, attending meetings, and taking on new tasks. Instead set boundaries to help you stay calm and conserve your energy. Boundaries help you focus on what’s truly important and prevent burnout. I’ve talked more about this in a previous blog, where I dive into how setting clear boundaries helps you manage your workload and stay present for your team. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it - setting boundaries is a powerful way to take control of your time and your emotional wellbeing.

Finding Balance for Emotional Wellbeing

Another great way to keep calm under pressure (something else within your circle of control) is to find balance in your life and work. Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is key to staying calm under pressure, that’s why finding balance in your leadership role is so important. A well-balanced leader is one who knows when to step back, take a breather, and recharge. Balance isn’t just about your workload, it’s about managing your emotions, having time for yourself, and feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way. I’ve created a free resource on Leading with Balance, which includes tips for achieving that harmony between work and personal life. If you’re struggling with stress or emotional overload, I encourage you to download it and start applying these tips.

Final Thought: Leadership Coaching Can Help You Stay Calm

If you’re looking for more personalised support on how to stay calm, focus on what you can control, and lead with confidence, leadership coaching might be the next step for you. Whether it’s 1:1 coaching or group coaching, I offer tailored sessions designed to help you develop the leadership strategies and mindset you need to thrive in your role.

Ready to take control and get the support you deserve? Book a time with me today, and let's work together to help you stay grounded and lead with clarity.