Keep a level head

Today’s workplace is challenging and individuals that can function under pressure and unexpected situations are increasingly sought after. So if your goal is to rise to a heavyweight role, time to hone your level-headedness. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your composure.

Don’t panic or convolute issues: Don’t make a big deal of everything by agonising, over-analysing and burdening others with complaints. Keep your wits about you as you try to reign in situations that can become problematic if not handled well. This is important especially if others are looking to you for guidance.

Look facts not your fears: When you focus on your fears, everything looks worse. A good example is a situation someone shared with me recently where they thought they were going to do a presentation for students only to find ‘an important’ person in front row. They panicked because they felt the presentation was not good enough. By focusing on that one person, they ruined the audience.

Note patterns in what gets you flustered. If you panic easily, know the signs so that you can prevent things from getting out of hand. What kinds of situations stress you? What are your pressure points? How do you typically respond especially to factors beyond your control? What’s the most positive response you can have to keep things on track?

Hold yourself accountable: Don’t focus on constraints because if you do, you are unlikely to let things spiral out of control. Don’t sit still and hope that things will get better. Focus on the issues and influence the direction and outcome.

Now take action: How can you improve how you handle stressful situations?