Why You Should Respond, Not React

As leaders, our response to events around us is just as, if not more important than the events themselves.

Leaders need to be calm, considered and thoughtful; even under pressure. By showing composure when things are tough, we’re better able to deliver measured responses based on the facts of the situation. This also builds trust with your team, enables transparency in communication and reduces stress during difficult situations.

Alternately, simply reacting to events without considering the facts or any potential consequences of your actions brings out the worst in everyone. By reacting to every new event, your team will see you as unpredictable, capricious and prone to irritability as your emotional triggers get the best of you. Over time, those team members you rely on will choose not to share information or bad news with you, because they fear that they will become one of your consequences.

What you do sets the tone for your organization. I recently read the memoirs of Major Dick Winters, a reluctant hero of the Second World War whose courageous acts were chronicled in the book and miniseries Band of Brothers. Major Winters’ ethos led him to be quiet and reflective in life, and calm yet resolute during times of crisis.

Similar to Major Winters’ reasoning, I believe that critical thinking and the calm, considered and thoughtful demeanor it imbues are fundamental to success in life and leadership. I’m sharing Major Winters’ leadership philosophies below, as a great start for building your leadership skills:

1. Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.
2. Lead from the front. Say, “Follow me!” and then lead the way.
3. Stay in top physical shape–physical stamina is the root of mental toughness.
4. Develop your team. If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you will develop teamwork.
5. Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their job. You can’t do a good job if you don’t have a chance to use your imagination and creativity.
6. Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles. Don’t wait until you get to the top of the ridge and then make up your mind.
7. Remain humble. Don’t worry about who receives the credit. Never let power or authority go to your head.
8. Take a moment of self-reflection. Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.
9. True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. They key to a successful leader is to earn respect–not because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.
10. Hang Tough!–Never, ever, give up.