By now, we’ve all heard how important soft skills are for growing and developing your career. But there’s one skill that future leaders tend to have that rarely gets mentioned—composure.
In most cases, leaders and executives are responsible for solving problems, thinking strategically, and continuously pushing their teams and organizations forward. Leadership comes with its fair share of challenges—unexpected roadblocks, difficult colleagues, and surprises you never saw coming.
But to keep a team motivated and an organization running smoothly, you have to be resilient and maintain your composure. Staying composed allows you to focus on solutions rather than getting swept up in emotions that can cloud your judgment in the moment.
But What If You’re Not a Manager Yet?
Maybe you’re just starting your career or have recently joined a new company and want to make a strong impression. One of the best ways to do that? Don’t get frazzled by unexpected news.
So, what does composure look like in your current role? And how can you develop it if it doesn’t come naturally to you?
What Composure Looks Like for Someone Who’s Not Yet a Manager
Composure is often associated with leadership, but it’s a critical skill at any level. Here’s what it can look like in your day-to-day role:
✅ Not Reacting Emotionally to Feedback – Whether it’s constructive criticism or a misunderstanding, staying calm and taking feedback objectively will set you apart.
✅ Handling Last-Minute Changes with Ease – Deadlines shift, projects change, and unexpected requests come up. Keeping your cool while adapting to changes shows maturity and problem-solving skills.
✅ Maintaining Professionalism in Difficult Situations – Office politics, disagreements, or even someone taking credit for your work can be frustrating. Instead of reacting impulsively, approach situations strategically.
✅ Staying Level-Headed Under Pressure – When things go wrong, people notice who panics and who stays focused. Being the person who can troubleshoot calmly will make you invaluable.
✅ Keeping Your Emotions in Check in Meetings – Whether you’re excited, frustrated, or feeling out of place, maintaining composure in meetings helps build your credibility.
✅ Not Taking Things Personally – Sometimes, people are abrupt or seem dismissive—it’s usually about them, not you. Don’t let it shake you.
How Managers, HR, and Executives View Composure
Composure isn’t just an admirable trait—it’s a highly valuable one. People in leadership roles often evaluate employees on more than just their technical skills. They look at how someone handles pressure, difficult conversations, and unexpected challenges. Here’s why they want to work with people who exhibit composure:
🔹 They’re Reliable: Managers and executives need people they can count on. If you stay calm under stress, they trust that you’ll handle responsibilities well and won’t fold under pressure.
🔹 They Elevate the Team: A composed employee creates a more stable work environment. They don’t add unnecessary drama or tension, which allows teams to function smoothly.
🔹 They’re Problem-Solvers: Emotional reactions can cloud judgment, but composed individuals focus on finding solutions. Leaders want employees who approach problems rationally rather than reactively.
🔹 They’re Ready for Leadership: If you can demonstrate composure consistently, you’ll be seen as someone who can handle more responsibility and move into leadership roles.
🔹 They Represent the Company Well: Whether in client meetings, negotiations, or public-facing roles, composed employees make the company look good. Leaders notice who maintains professionalism in high-stakes situations.
🔹 They Reduce Workplace Stress: People who stay composed contribute to a more positive, drama-free work culture, making the work environment better for everyone.
Steps to Develop Composure
If composure doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t worry—it’s a skill you can develop. Here’s how:
1. Train Yourself to Pause Before Reacting
When faced with a challenging situation, pause before responding. Take a deep breath and ask yourself:
🛑 Is this worth reacting to?
🛑 How would a composed leader handle this?
🛑 What’s the most productive response?
Pausing gives you time to process your emotions and choose a response rather than reacting impulsively.
2. Build Emotional Awareness
Understanding your triggers can help you manage them. Start noticing what situations cause you to feel anxious, defensive, or frustrated. 📖 Journaling your thoughts and feelings can help you identify patterns and work on areas where you struggle.
3. Reframe the Situation
Instead of seeing obstacles as personal attacks or major setbacks, shift your perspective:
🔄 Instead of: “This is unfair!”
✅ Try: “What can I learn from this?”
🔄 Instead of: “Why is this happening to me?”
✅ Try: “How can I use this to grow?”
Changing how you perceive challenges helps you stay solution-focused rather than emotional.
4. Develop a Routine to Stay Grounded
Composure is easier to maintain when your overall well-being is in check. Try incorporating:
🧘♀️ Meditation or deep breathing exercises (Apps like Headspace or Calm)
🏋️ Regular exercise (yoga, HIIT, or even walks)
🌅 A structured morning routine (limit social media, set clear goals)
📓 Journaling or affirmations (Daily reflections in a gratitude journal)
🎬 Watch calming or inspirational movies (The Pursuit of Happyness, Peaceful Warrior, Inside Out)
📚 Read books on resilience and mindfulness (The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle)
🎧 Listen to podcasts on emotional intelligence (The Mindset Mentor, The Happiness Lab)
🛁 Incorporate relaxation techniques (take Epsom salt baths, practice aromatherapy)
🎨 Engage in hobbies that bring peace (painting, playing music, baking)
📴 Set boundaries with technology (reduce phone use before bed, schedule screen-free time)
5. What to Do If You Feel Triggered at Work
🚶 Step away for a moment – Take a short walk or grab water.
📝 Write it down – Quickly jot down your thoughts in a notebook instead of reacting.
😌 Use a breathing technique – Try box breathing (inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 4 sec).
🎧 Put in headphones – Listen to calming music or a podcast.
🤝 Find a work ally – A trusted colleague can help talk things through.
💡 Shift focus – Redirect your attention to another task for a few minutes.
Building composure takes time—so don’t get discouraged! It took me seven years to develop because I bumped and stumbled into resources along the way. But your timeframe can be much shorter now that you have a guide.
The bottom line? Future leaders aren’t just the ones with the best ideas or the loudest voices in the room. They’re the ones who stay steady under pressure and rise above the noise.
So the next time something unexpected happens at work, take a breath. Stay focused. And most importantly—keep your composure.
Success and blessings always,
Lexi
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