Leading Under Pressure

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Course Introduction Leading Under Pressure

Video

Leading Under Pressure Influencing Quietly

At one point in our lives, we've all experienced being called to take the lead.

Sometimes this requires us to go beyond our comfort zone and do something we wouldn't ordinarily do in our day-to-day.

When we find ourselves in these situations, it can be difficult to not let imposter-syndrome creep in.

Our first thought can often be: I don't have what it takes.

This is because the part of our brain (the occipital cortex) that imagines, perceives, and anticipates, tends to focus on the negative.

It says 'You can't' and this then sets off an edgy, fight-or-flight response.

This lesson explores how to shift this mindset and what it means to be a leader.

What does it mean to influence quietly?

What does it mean to be a leader? Being a leader simply means ** applying your energy where you are most needed**. In other words, you know your team's strengths and weaknesses, and how to support them. To know this, you need to understand your team members and team dynamic. You can do this by being candid in your questions and creating a space for honesty. Some of the best leaders are those who actively listen. Ask yourself: What does my team need the most right now? What can I do to meet that need? Remember this: You are completely qualified to help your teammate. (Even if it's directing them to someone else who can help them better than you can.) You already know what you bring to the table. You just need to understand what your team members bring – and how you can use it to your advantage.

Consider a travelator.

Travelators take you from point A to point B. All you have to do is take one small step to start.

Tackle the easiest first step. Then the next one. Then the next one.

Once you get started, you'll feel committed to the task. All the other steps it then takes will just feel like a logical next step. Not a huge leap.

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Leading Under Pressure Risk vs Reward

When you find yourself in a situation where the stakes feel high, fear is not your enemy Sometimes, it's the friend that tells you when you need to call it a day.

But when it comes to facing risks, how do you know when to push on and when to listen to the voice that says stop?

In this lesson, learn how to assess the risks against the rewards of any situation.

Risks in any situation can be difficult to navigate.

What is the quiet voice used for? Choose all that apply

What is the quiet voice?

The quiet voice is your gut instinct – the internal whisper that sounds when trouble begins.

#1 Look out for warnings. Learn your personal cues for when something is not quite right.

#2 **Establish your "safety line." ** The safety line is the line you draw in the sand to remind you of your limits. Your job is to make sure not to cross that line.

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Leading Under Pressure High-pressure Situations

It's one thing to perform a task well. It's another thing to do so under a lot of pressure.

We all deal with crises differently. In high-pressure situations, it's often more difficult to not give way to panic.

In moments of high pressure, how do you keep calm and collected to make the right decisions?

In this lesson, learn how to prepare yourself to handle the unexpected.

When stakes are high, it's tough to know the best way to respond.

Use visualization. What is it?

Visualization is a form of rehearsal. But instead of physically rehearsing the scenario, we see it playing out in our minds and imagining how you might feel.

Instead of imagining your goal, focus on the actions and techniques required to reach that successful outcome.

Rather than just reflecting on your successes, try also remembering the difficulty and discomfort you went through to get there.

When you're in a situation you're unprepared for, what thought is most helpful?

Accepting the Situation The first step to handling any situation is acceptance. You accepted the risks that came with the task you have to do. And you prepared as best you could for the possible problems. When things don't go according to plan, avoid denial. Take a breath, relax into the uncertainty and focus on the next step you can take at that moment. In moments of high stress, it's easy to feel in danger when we're actually just uncomfortable. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. And no matter what comes up, remember this: Everything will work itself out.

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Leading Under Pressure **Resilience and Mental Strength **

When you're faced with a task that feels impossible, how do you keep powering through?

When you're dealing with a tough project that feels overwhelming, resilience and mental strength are key to crossing the finish line.

In this lesson, learn how to keep yourself in check and how to prevent burnout.

When things start to feel unachievable, it helps to focus on one small task at a time.

The best way to keep pace is to find a rhythm between working and taking breaks to refocus your thoughts. It's a marathon, not a race.

When you recognize signs of burnout, it's time to take a break.

It's important to process stressful situations. Recognizing that you're going through a tough situation is the first step to moving past it. Only then can you translate negative emotions into positive lessons. This self-awareness also makes you a better leader and empathetic to others.

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The path toward any goal – no matter how large – is made up of a series of smaller steps.

When the big picture becomes overwhelming, shift your focus to the next manageable step.

Pace yourself. Rest when you feel tired so you can recharge and be energized for what's next.

At the finish line, process stressful events. This way, you can turn negative emotions into useful lessons for the next project.

When times get tough, remember: Take it one step at a time.

Leading Under Pressure **Working Together **

Working in a team means dealing with varying personalities and opinions.

As a leader, you need to make sure that clashing perspectives don't affect how you work together and stop you from achieving your goals.

In this lesson, learn how to handle difficult team dynamics in high-pressure situations and how to work together respectfully.

Teamwork involves mutual trust and respect.

It's never about one single person. When working together, it's important to put aside **ego **and personal gain. Instead, check to see that everyone is working toward the team's common goals. And take advantage of each individual's unique strengths.

It's important to be honest in these moments.

Addressing even the smallest issues as a team is important. Tackling them early on means that they don't become bigger problems later.

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