Lead with Composure

As I navigated mid-level leadership, sandwiched between my boss and my team, with deadlines looming and interpersonal tensions running high, I became a bit frantic and my lack of composure affected my entire team. Fortunately, as a new leader, I was paired with a coach to help shape my authentic leadership style. With the help of my coach, I identified three actionable strategies to build and sustain composure that I still use 25 years later.

• Seek strategic insights: I focused on understanding the organization’s strategy and would gladly attend key meetings to engage with stakeholders and gauge strategic priorities. This increased my situational awareness and my ability to connect my role and outcomes to the larger organization. Additionally, I knew where the organization was headed and could clearly see the future skills needed for my career progression. Most importantly, I had a clear line of sight into my boss’s organizational business goals, which provided clear messaging and direction for my team.

• Cultivate a professional network: This was the hardest part for me when I moved from an individual contributor to a supervisor role. I initially tried to do everything myself. However, building alliances with mentors, peers and my coach to share perspectives during complex times turned isolation into a source of collaborative strength. Ultimately, leading innovative problem-solving and professional support. One thing to always avoid is engaging your team when angry — lean on your network to shape message and not burn bridges.

• Practice mindful planning: I learned to anticipate needs early by reviewing my calendar on Friday before leaving the office and making notes for Monday, freeing my mind for the weekend. I blocked off time, even just an hour, to stay ahead of supervisory duties, and tracked busy days to ensure I had time for lunch or a short mental break. This included wardrobe prep — if I knew I’d be in cold meeting rooms, I’d bring a sweater. The small details truly made a difference. 

Over 25 years later, these have remained guiding principles for professional composure in the workplace. Embracing composure isn’t about suppressing emotions but about directing them productively. Planning, strategic insights, and a professional network have been key to my success and to staying composed, especially during stressful times.  Commit to one strategy; I’m pretty certain it will have a positive impact for contined leadership composure.

Remember, career success isn’t magic, even though some make it look easy. It’s about practice, self-reflection and progress. I’m proud of you!

Treva Smith is a federal human resources, diversity and inclusion, and business operations professional, with over 33-years of service. Treva enjoys advising and mentoring individuals navigate their career paths to meet identified goals. She specializes in career planning and personal branding, and is certified to instruct Business Etiquette through the distinguished Protocol School of Washington and a certified Global Career Development Facilitator through National Employment Counseling Association.