Communicating calmly and effectively under pressure is an integral skill for leaders. The ability to maintain composure, think clearly and make decisions can help keep an organization on track during a crisis, while an inability to do so can make a problem even worse, according to Inc. magazine.
We all know those people who seem to know the right thing to do and say in all kinds of conflict, and who do so calmly and tactfully. They ease through any adverse situation — whether it is a tense negotiation or dealing with an uncooperative employee — effectively, without breaking a sweat. Communicating well under pressure cultivates trust and strengthens the team's confidence in leadership.
However, communication is not an innate skill for many people. It has to be learned and practiced. Here are four tips for improving communication, according to Inc.
1. Have control over your emotions. Humans are emotional creatures, but when it comes to acting and communicating under pressure, it is important to be aware of how our emotions influence us, and how allowing them to control our decisions can produce less than desirable outcomes. Furthermore, when we can't control our emotions, we seem less confident. This weakens our ability to clearly communicate and makes other less receptive to what we have to say, according to Inc.
2. Get rid of prejudice. We all have unconscious biases that influence our thought processes and decision making. It is important to be aware of what your biases might be and get rid of them. The most productive communication comes from having an open mind, according to the report.
3. Don't be afraid. Conflict is not enjoyable, but that is not an excuse to avoid having the hard conversations. Furthermore, sugarcoating what you are trying to say will not help the situation. The best approach during difficult conversations is to stay calm and speak respectfully but directly.
4. Be aware of the words your body is saying. Communication is about 7 percent verbal. The vast majority of the messages we send out come from our body language, so be aware of how your posture, eye contact and gestures appear to others.
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