Do You Maintain Composure in Business?
Four Steps to Manage a Crisis
The next time you are faced with a challenging situation keep in mind the following four steps as you craft your response:
- This first one you can probably guess: Stop, take a breath and think before you say or do anything. Have you heard of the term mindfulness? Mindfulness requires you to be fully engaged in the moment. You cannot do this if you do not notice what is around you. This includes attending to your own emotions, the place, people and situation.
- Gather information. Before acting you must ensure you have accurate information, a broad scope of information, and the opportunity to consider and process the information. This need not take long, as sometimes you have to respond quickly, but it should occur.
- Consult with and listen to others who can provide an objective assessment. If you are in a leadership role, especially in a small business, you may find it difficult to find someone to talk with. Options to consider include working with a mentor or a coach who can provide you with that objective viewpoint.
- Respond with clarity and confidence. Once you have measured the situation, assessed your own reaction and determined a plan of action you need to act. Once you act, do not retreat. Part of being composed is being able to recognize the need to re-assess and begin this process again.
Mindfulness and Composure
The next time you are faced with a challenging situation keep in mind the idea of maintaining composure; being mindful of even the word may help you deliver a more emotionally intelligent response.
