When the World Gets Hotter, Leaders Must Stay Cool

The past few weeks, the air temperature in various cities across Indonesia has been suffocating. The scorching sun penetrates the walls of our homes, air conditioners are working harder than usual, and many people are starting to lose their patience due to the seemingly merciless weather. 

In situations like this, even the smallest thing can trigger emotions. Imagine clocking in exhausted after being stuck in traffic, only to have your chatty colleague irritate you even more (usually you wouldn’t mind).

Interestingly, this condition can actually be a reflection of how we lead and work under pressure. Leadership is not measured by how a person behaves when everything goes smoothly, but by how they act when the ‘temperature’ starts to rise—both literally and emotionally.

When Both the Weather and Emotions Are Hot

Amidst the hot air, our bodies respond spontaneously just as they do when we are in a stressful work situation. When pressure increases, the brain is more likely to react than to think.

A leader who fails to control their emotions at a critical moment can create a domino effect. Think how one morning outburst could be enough to bring down the team’s spirit for the rest of the day.

Therefore, the ability to maintain composure amidst a heated situation becomes a crucial leadership skill in the present day. This is a soft skill that may not always be visible, but its impact is very real.

The Air Conditioner for Leadership

Imagine an office without air conditioning when the temperature reaches 35C. Everyone is restless, it's hard to focus, and every interaction has the potential to become a conflict. Now imagine a leader who can act as the ‘air conditioner’, not by ignoring the heat of the situation, but by creating an atmosphere where people can find their way to clarity.

This skill is called emotional regulation, which is the ability to understand, control, and channel emotions in a constructive way. 

Leaders with a high level of emotional regulation typically:

• Are not easily provoked in emotional situations.
• Are able to separate personal issues from professional decisions.
• Are able to transform stress into productive energy.
• And most importantly, set an example for the team to remain calm under pressure.

As the saying goes, "You can’t pour calm into others if you’re boiling inside."

Related: How Good is Your Decision Making in A Crisis?

Cool Head, Warm Heart

Managing emotions does not mean becoming distant or indifferent. In fact, calm leaders create space to understand others on a deeper level.

When a team member feels frustrated over a missed target or a difficult customer, an empathetic leader doesn’t rush to assign blame. They listen first, seek the root cause, and approach the situation with composure to find a solution together.

This is where the balance between a cool head and a warm heart becomes essential. A cool head preserves clarity and sound judgment, while a warm heart sustains genuine human connection in the workplace. Together, they cultivate the cornerstone of lasting leadership.

In the Midst of Crisis, Calmness is the Compass

In today’s volatile world, many teams operate in survival mode. They naturally look for direction from the calmest person in the room.

A calm leader is not passive. They act, but with clarity. When everyone else panics, they ask, “What’s the most rational next step?”

Take the pandemic as an example. The pandemic forced many organisations into painful decisions. Yet, those who led with belief and steadiness proved to be the true pillars of leadership.

Related: How to Manage Workplace Stress Wisely

Exercises to Keep a Cool Head

Just as the body adjusts to hot weather, the mind can be trained to remain stable even under high pressure.

Some simple steps you can take include:

1. Stop Before Reacting: When emotions rise, pause for a moment before responding. A long, deep breath is often enough to prevent words you might regret.
2. Identify Your Triggers: Note down the situations that usually make you angry or stressed. Awareness is the first step toward control.
3. Listen Truly: Listen to understand, not just to wait for your turn to speak. This helps to lower emotional tension.
4. Build Reflective Habits: After facing a difficult situation, ask yourself whether you reacted or responded consciously.
5. Practice Self-Care: Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and taking quiet time outside of work helps maintain mental balance.

Conclusion: Be the Cool Breeze in the Hot Weather

The hot weather we feel, although uncomfortable, can be a simple reminder that the world is not always pleasant. This is where the quality of leadership is tested.

Becoming a leader or a colleague who can keep a cool head under pressure is not only about professionalism, but also about humanity. We cannot control the weather, but we can control how we respond to it.

So instead of being the loudest voice in the room, be the steady one—the presence that helps others find their footing.

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