Navigating High-Stress Incidents: Leadership Strategies for Staying Grounded and Adaptable

As someone who has led teams in high-pressure situations during the most challenging times, I know how unpredictable each day can be for those in high-stress roles. Critical incidents can happen in an instant, and emotional resources are often stretched thin. The weight of responsibility can feel heavier, especially as a leader navigating these incidents while trying to support your team.

During my time leading a team in the aftermath of a global crisis, I learned that preparation and adaptability are key. No matter how thorough your plans are, the unexpected will always find a way in. Here are some strategies, drawn from my own experience, to help stay grounded and flexible when the pressure is on.

1. Stay Grounded During High-Pressure Moments

Regulate Your Emotions: As a leader, your team looks to you for stability. Take a moment to focus on your breathing when stress peaks: inhale deeply through your nose for 3-4 seconds, exhale slowly through your mouth for 6-8 seconds. This simple practice can help us stay calm, focused and make clearer decisions.

Lean on Your Team: You don’t have to shoulder everything alone. Empower your team to step in where needed by clearly communicating priorities and delegating tasks. Shared responsibility not only lightens your load but also builds trust and teamwork.

Reflect in the Moment: Ask yourself, “What’s in my control right now?” This question can stop you from getting overwhelmed by what’s beyond your influence and help you focus on immediate, actionable steps.

2. Build Contingency Plans Ahead of Time

One of the biggest challenges during critical incidents is not knowing what’s around the corner. While you can’t predict every scenario, having solid contingency plans in place can save valuable time and energy.

Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify potential challenges unique to the period of time – reduced staffing, increased workloads, or bad weather. Think about how these risks could impact your team and operations.

Create Simple Action Plans: For each identified risk, develop a straightforward plan with clear roles and responsibilities. Keep these plans flexible so they can be adjusted if the situation changes.

Involve Your Team: The best plans come from collective input. Engage your team in discussions about potential scenarios and solutions. When everyone understands the plan, they’ll be better prepared to act.

3. Stay Flexible When the Unexpected Happens

No matter how much planning you do, things rarely unfold exactly as expected. The key is to adapt without losing focus.

Be Ready to Reassess: In the middle of an incident, ask yourself, “What’s working, and what isn’t?” Don’t be afraid to pivot if the original plan isn’t meeting the demands of the situation.

Communicate Regularly: Keep your team updated as things evolve. A quick check-in or briefing can prevent confusion and ensure everyone is aligned.

Look After Yourself: Flexibility requires a clear mind. During a long shift or an intense situation, take micro-breaks – even a couple of minutes to breathe, stretch, or drink water can help you reset and refocus.

Reflecting on My Experience

When I led a team during a string of serious incidents, this period was particularly demanding. The biggest challenge wasn’t just the crises themselves but the constant need to adapt. One moment, we were dealing with operational demands; the next, we were navigating emotional fallout. What got us through was a combination of preparation and the willingness to adjust as situations unfolded.

I learned the importance of pulling together even more than we would normally as a team. It’s important to acknowledge the challenges without losing focus and being transparent when plans had to change. It wasn’t about having all the answers; it was about staying present and responsive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in a leadership role during a high-stress period, know that your preparation and adaptability can make all the difference – not just in managing critical incidents but also in supporting your team through them. There will be tough times to navigate, but with the right mindset and tools, we can navigate even the most unexpected challenges.

Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding stress – it’s about navigating it effectively. Take the time to plan, ground yourself in the moment, and stay flexible as circumstances change. And most importantly, look after yourself so you can be the leader your team needs during these times.