4 Tips For Leading Under Pressure
Leading Under Pressure
One of my greatest fears is operating an Instapot. I love the tool, the quick results, etc ... , but when Meg (my wife) asks me to check the Instapot, I start looking for the vacuum or anything else to avoid having to use that intimidating device. There is a ridiculous amount of pressure and if the pressure isn't managed properly it can make a very dangerous mess.
When we are leading under pressure if we don't navigate it well (and properly) we can make a dangerous mess. Our decisions as leaders impact the lives of the people we are fortunate enough to support. Sometimes the weight becomes painful. I love the quote from Max Depree - "Leaders don't inflict pain, they bear the pain." I'll tell you what - bearing pain can be intense and if we aren't careful we will inflict more pain than we were bearing.
So how do we lead under pressure and not run for the vacuum? During the past few months here's what I'm learning.
1) Never lead alone. Lean on the leaders in and/or out of your organization. Here's what that means. Before sending pivotal communication to your leaders and/or your organization, let your coach or trusted advisors review it. Yes - it's on you, but no, you don't have to go it alone. Sometimes you receive affirmation that helps you sleep and sometimes you receive coaching that helps you sleep. Either way, it's good.
2) Slow down and you will go faster. If you make the right decision in the right way, you will head down the right path. Don't make every decision you think of. Don't send every response that pops into your mind right away. Don't get caught sprinting at the beginning of the half-marathon, you won't make it. Remember the big picture and slow down so you can go faster longer.
3) Commit. You've gotten feedback from trusted advisors and have thought through the decisions that needed to be made. Now it's time to commit. Commit to hitting start on that Instapot. The pressure may build during the execution, however you've taken the right steps to ensure the end product is what will drive you forward to success. When the pressure is on you, you can't just wait and see.
4) Trust your people. Communicate openly and honestly with your team about the decision and direction you're taking. If you have been leading well, everyone you need is in your corner. You are not alone. Let them share in the process as much as possible across all levels. When you need them the most they will show up for you.
Let me give you an example of how this might translate into a real work scenario. You have a leader with a lot of great ideas and she's a great person. One that you would definitely enjoy a glass of wine and Instapot meal with. She trusts her team can do anything and that they are flexible and understand her intentions. Because of this, she shares her ideas freely and expects the team to jump in and deliver without a lot of clear direction. When the team has questions, the answers are sparse, if available at all. The team tries their best and when they come across obstacles that prevent forward movement, the leader throws out another idea. You can imagine the personal and professional conflict this might create for the group. Being a good person is a great start, getting the team involved is important for ultimate buy-in. However, in this common scenario, the important aspects of slowing down to go faster and committing were absent.
Here’s the deal. We will all screw up. We won’t get it right all the time. However, if we try to follow these four steps while leading under pressure we will get it right more often than not. You’ve got this. If you get stuck or need some help, just give us a call.
What has helped you lead well under pressure?
