Certain emotionally charged situations will test your leadership. 

• An unexpected email immediately makes you furious. 
• A colleague dismisses your input which frustrates you. 
• An employee disappoints you by not doing what you ask.

The voice in your head chants “I can’t believe it!” 

The natural human reaction is to defend yourself or immediately try to fix the situation. Without realizing it, you find yourself spiraling further into the drama of the circumstance. 

This is a classic ENERGY leak. We have all been there. 

Intellectually, we know our reaction to any experience is our choice, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to control. We can’t sleep, our stomach is in knots, and the bad situation is all we can think about. 

Contrary to what you may believe, you can’t change the situation. 

It is what it is. 

The only action a leader controls (in any circumstance) is if they choose to REACT or RESPOND to the situation. 

Your choice affects the outcome, one way or another. 

The next time a circumstance triggers a feeling of fear, frustration, annoyance, defensiveness, anger, or any other challenging emotion—notice if you find yourself reacting or responding.

Want some additional support?

Listen to episode 77 of the Getting Results Podcast — That “Oh Shit!” Moment – Dealing with Difficult Situations or watch the Leadership Mindset video version on YouTube. 

If you want to chat live, reach out and let’s schedule some time.