Successful people and great leaders don’t get rattled, even when
“all hell breaks loose.” The Apollo 13 lunar landing had to be aborted when there was an explosion in the service module. Eugene Kranz was the flight director for the Apollo 13 mission. He was under enormous pressure moments after the explosion happened. Death seemed eminent for the three astronauts and panic was about to take control of the situation. But Kranz didn’t let that happen; he kept his cool. He took control of the disaster and calmly said,
“Okay, now, let’s everybody keep cool. Let’s solve the problem, but let’s not make it any worse by guessing.” At that moment, did he have any idea how to fix the problem … NO. At that moment, did he have any idea how to bring the astronauts home safely … NO. But, as he later explained,
“you do not pass uncertainty down to your team members.” His coolness under pressure created an environment where ideas and solutions replaced panic and confusion. That is why almost five decades later, trainers still reference Eugene Kranz as a perfect example of leadership under crisis.
Remember, wise decisions seldom come from an angry or panicked mind. If you are angry … stay cool. Remember the words of Canadian educator, Laurence J. Peter, who said,
“Speak when you are angry - and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret”. When there is reason for panic … stay cool. You MUST maintain control to get things done, so, work the problem, don’t add to the problem. Leadership is about helping others, teaching others, supporting others … not creating a sense of panic. The more you remain calm the greater your opportunities for resolving the issue at hand; ask questions, get organized, assign tasks … but most important of all, stay cool.
One of the biggest mistakes we make is speaking when we are angry. There are a lot of people who have ruined their lives, be it on a personal or business basis, by saying something stupid, because they were angry. Every day we have plenty of opportunities to get angry: people taking credit for your work, unfair boss, being blamed for something you didn’t do, slow or no wi-fi connection, unnecessary delays, incompetence, people who lie, bad drivers, or having an encounter with an idiot. Mark Twain made a wise statement about dealing with them; he said,
“Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” The best thing to say when you are angry is NOTHING; you don’t have to apologize for words not spoken. Follow the advice from the old saying,
“A moment of patience in a moment of anger, saves you hundreds of moments of regret.”
Anger and panic are not your friends … staying cool is. Remaining calm in difficult situations is a sign of maturity, wisdom, and experience. Always remember this: when bad things happen
(and they will) and Plan “A” doesn’t fix it … you have 25 more letters in the alphabet to try.