Learn key emotional intelligence strategies for senior stakeholders to stay composed and make clear decisions in high-pressure situations.

If you don't think you're being objective and need time to get back on track, find a way out of the conversation. It's okay to ask for a pause to reflect and regroup—or even taking a two-minute comfort break can help.

Last updated on Jun 21, 2024

Here's how you can handle your emotions as a senior stakeholder in high-pressure situations.

Handling emotions effectively is essential for senior stakeholders who often face high-pressure situations. As a leader, your ability to maintain composure not only impacts your performance but also sets the tone for your team. Emotional intelligence is a critical skill that enables you to understand and manage your emotions, as well as those of others. This article will guide you through strategies to keep your emotions in check, ensuring you make clear-headed decisions even when the stakes are high.

1 Recognize Triggers

Understanding what triggers your emotional responses is the first step to managing them. As a senior stakeholder, you might be triggered by unexpected project delays, budget overruns, or conflicts within your team. By identifying these triggers, you can anticipate your emotional reactions and prepare strategies to address them. This proactive approach allows you to maintain control over your responses, rather than being caught off guard by your emotions.

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Carolann Schleicher

Artist
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Once bring in a difficult situation, focus on thinking of the other persons issues and perspectives, not your own. Then approach the problem as if you’re aligned with them towards the goals you know will step you towards success.

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2 Stay Objective

When emotions run high, it's crucial to stay objective. Focus on facts and data, as they are invaluable tools for grounding your decisions in reality, rather than in the heat of the moment. This approach helps you to maintain perspective and avoid being swayed by emotional biases. By prioritizing objectivity, you can navigate through challenging situations with a clear mind and make decisions that are in the best interest of your organization.

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CJ Anderson

Helping Law Firms use Data Governance for Operational Excellence | Host of the Law Firm Data Governance Podcast
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If you don't think you're being objective and need time to get back on track, find a way out of the conversation. It's okay to ask for a pause to reflect and regroup—or even taking a two-minute comfort break can help.

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Tetiana (Tanya) Bugasova

Practice Group Executive at International Law Firm CMS UK, secondment role and Chief Operating Officer at International Law Firm CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang Ukraine
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I have found it helpful in these situations to take a moment to breathe and connect with myself by simply naming the emotions I am feeling, trying to see what is triggering them, and checking for projections before making conclusions and judgments.

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3 Breathe Deeply

Never underestimate the power of deep breathing in managing your emotions. It's a simple yet effective technique that can be used anywhere, anytime. Taking slow, deep breaths helps to activate your body's relaxation response, counteracting the stress response that high-pressure situations often induce. This physiological shift can help you regain composure and approach the situation with a calmer, more balanced mindset.

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4 Seek Perspective

In high-pressure situations, seeking perspective is vital for emotional management. Engage with trusted colleagues or mentors who can offer an outside view and help you see the bigger picture. This can prevent you from getting tunnel vision and succumbing to stress. Their insights may also provide new solutions to the challenges at hand, enabling you to tackle the situation more effectively.

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5 Practice Empathy

Empathy is a powerful tool for senior stakeholders, allowing you to connect with and understand the emotions of others. By practicing empathy, you can better manage your own emotional responses by seeing the situation from different angles. This fosters a more collaborative environment where team members feel heard and valued, which can reduce tension and facilitate better problem-solving during high-pressure scenarios.

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6 Reflect Regularly

Regular reflection on your emotional responses in high-pressure situations can lead to better emotional management over time. Take time to analyze what worked and what didn't in terms of handling your emotions. By reflecting on these experiences, you can identify patterns and improve your strategies for emotional regulation, ensuring you're better equipped for future challenges.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can handle your emotions as a senior stakeholder in high-pressure situations.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Triggers

2 Stay Objective

3 Breathe Deeply

4 Seek Perspective

5 Practice Empathy

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

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Here's how you can handle your emotions as a senior stakeholder in high-pressure situations.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Triggers

2 Stay Objective

3 Breathe Deeply

4 Seek Perspective

5 Practice Empathy

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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