Leaders understand that crisis is inevitable. More than that, leaders know that crisis is a major driver of change, and change is essential to leadership. Leaders also understand that crisis often leads to panic, and panic can be devastating. In his poem ‘If-’, Rudyard Kipling offers this challenge:

“If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;”

Kipling’s first line from ‘If-’ encourages his readers to prepare for crisis. He also point out that other won’t prepare. “They will lose their head.” Finally, he points out that blame is an inevitable part of panic, and every leader understands that being a leader means that the blame will be directed at them.

Composure, the ability to remain calm and self-possessed, was appropriately first of the attributes described by Kipling, because he recognized that our ability to maintain composure – to ‘keep your head’ – is essential to leadership. Our ability to transform a crisis into positive action will be a major determinate in our success as a leader.

To understand composure, we must better understand its opposite – panic. What is panic? For an individual, Webster’s defines it as “a sudden overpowering fright.” For a group or organization the sensation is similar, but on a larger scale. Again Webster’s definition is helpful: “a sudden unreasoning terror often accompanied by mass flight.” What causes one individual’s “fright” to become a large-scale panic? There are numerous causes, including a lack of information, conflicting information, imminent danger, unanticipated adversity, etc. Some crises we encounter will become panics; however, as leaders, we must never allow ourselves to panic. How many crises have turned to panic or even disaster because a would-be leader failed to keep his head? The genesis of a crisis can be a small and immaterial mistake, but somehow the mistake spins out of control and becomes a panic.

Why do some individuals keep their head “when all about them are losing theirs…?” What enables others to maintain composure? Are some people naturally more composed than others? Obviously, some people are more volatile and are not well suited for dealing with panic and crisis. That doesn’t mean they are not capable to be outstanding leaders.

What role does a leader play in controlling panic? Primarily, the leader must assess the situation and share information in a clear and concise way. Strong leaders remain calm and composed. They demonstrate that he or she is in control. They also exude a positive but realistic attitude.

Go to any newspaper archive and scan the headlines for any period of time, paying close attention to the political or business scandals reported. What could the executives who were responsible for the scandals have done differently? If you want to bring this closer to home, consider the last major failure within your organization. There were probably numerous opportunities for someone to lead by demonstrate composure. Often all it takes to establish control is for one leader to stand up and take control. It can be as easy as saying, “Stop! What are we doing?” Taking stock of the situation and recognizing the right thing to do is the first step towards regaining control and averting panic.

Four Steps to Demonstrate Composure in a Crisis

• Take Control by Taking Accountability. Remember, you’re the boss. Let people know that you are accountable and are committed resolve the crisis.
• Respond Decisively. If you have good contingency plans, use them. If not, take action to “stop the bleeding.” Empower people to act and ask for help when you need it.
• Remain Visible. You may be in perfect control, but if your people don’t see you they may assume you are as panicked as they are.
• Project A Positive Attitude. You can become the calming influence that will enable others to regain their composure. The more calm heads you have working on a problem the better the solution.