Leading in a nonprofit or public agency often feels like a nonstop balancing act. Every request is urgent, every decision needed yesterday, and the stakes? Always high. And yet, through it all, you’re expected to stay calm, focused and effective, no matter what’s swirling around you.
The pressure is real, but urgency doesn’t have to hijack your leadership. And Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is your secret weapon for navigating those high-pressure moments, without burning out or burning bridges.
How to Stay Grounded — Even When Everything Feels Like It’s on Fire
Breathe Before You Lead
When the pressure’s on, pause. One deep breath before responding can shift the entire tone of a conversation. It helps your brain move from reaction mode to intentional action. You gain clarity instead of letting stress take the lead.
Try this: Before replying to a tense email or jumping into a tough meeting, take three slow breaths. Then respond with intention, not tension.
Sort Urgent From Important
Just because something feels urgent doesn’t mean it’s actually important. EQ helps you zoom out and ask: “Is this truly urgent or is someone just overwhelmed?” This moment is your chance to model calm, focused decision-making. When your team sees you pause to prioritize, they learn to do the same. That’s leadership in motion.
Regulate Your Reactions
Pressure can stir up frustration, defensiveness or self-doubt. Emotional intelligence means noticing those reactions before they run the show.
Ask yourself:
- What am I feeling right now?
- What’s triggering it?
- What outcome do I want here?
That internal check-in helps you lead with composure, even when things feel chaotic.
Communicate With Empathy
In high-stress moments, communication can turn curt or clipped. But urgency doesn’t give anyone a pass on respect. These are the moments when empathy matters most.
Try saying:
- “I hear this feels really urgent — let’s work together on a plan.”
- “Thanks for flagging this. Here’s how we can move forward calmly.”
Empathy diffuses tension and builds trust, especially under pressure.
Set Boundaries Around the Chaos
Urgency will take over your time, your focus, and your energy — if you let it. EQ means knowing your limits and protecting your peace.
Try this:
- “I can give this my full attention at 2 p.m.”
- “Let’s add this to tomorrow’s agenda so we have time to think it through.”
By setting boundaries, you model healthy leadership — and give your team permission to do the same.
Stay Grounded. Stay Human. Stay Emotionally Intelligent.
In mission-driven work, urgency may come with the territory. But how you show up in it, that’s what defines your leadership. Emotional intelligence equips you to lead with clarity, care, and calm, even when things are swirling. But you’re not just managing tasks. You’re setting the tone for a culture where people can breathe, lead, and thrive.
And remember, it all starts with you.
Carolyn Mozell is passionate about leadership and its transformative impact on individuals, teams, and organizations. As the Founder of Leaders Who Connect and Inspire LLC, she empowers nonprofit and government leaders to break down silos, unify teams, and achieve shared goals through impactful training programs and immersive retreats that enhance communication and emotional intelligence skills.
Carolyn has served in some of the highest levels of local government leadership across both the legislative and executive branches, as well as in roles as a nonprofit COO and entrepreneur, making her uniquely qualified to support leaders and teams at all levels, in navigating challenges with clarity, cohesion, and a strong sense of purpose.
Carolyn holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and is a certified DISC and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, being a wife and proud pet mom to her adopted cat, Eva.
Photo Credit: Jeshoots.com on Pixaby
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