There’s a famous story about a World War II general.
The story goes that he was in a bunker in the Philippines, giving a briefing to commanders and lieutenants. He stood at a chalkboard with a pointer, explaining enemy movements and how the Allies would take their next steps.
Then enemy bombs began to fall.
The bunker shook. Light fixtures rattled and blinked. The men sitting in their chairs looked panicked. Their attention shifted from the general to the ceiling as they wondered whether the earth and concrete separating them from the outside world would hold.
The bombs continued to fall.
The amazing thing in all of this?
The general never flinched.
He didn’t blink. He simply continued explaining the strategy and outlining the next steps.
The people in the room were in awe. As they focused on him, their fear began to subside. He was their leader, and if the leader was calm, they believed they should match his energy.
That story has always inspired me. Whether it happened exactly that way isn’t important to me. It’s the truth dripping from the story that makes it impactful.
The general never blinked. He stood his ground.
He knew that if he showed doubt or fear, the commanders and lieutenants would return to their troops carrying that uncertainty with them. And uncertainty is not something that wins a world war.
As leaders, we must be like that general.
As the bombs are falling and the news is getting worse, we must stand with confidence and continue believing in the future. A leader who cowers in the corner marches a nation—or a company—toward the valley of defeat.
Let’s not gloss over this and pretend it is easy.
It is not.
Being the strong one when things are not going well is extremely stressful and taxing. Leaders often speak about the burden of leadership and the weight they feel from carrying so much responsibility.
When things have gone into the ditch, you will feel the pressure to develop a plan while assuring everyone that a better future still awaits.
How do you become like that general? How can you stand firm and project confidence? Are there practical steps a leader can take?
First, sound confident.
Words matter, but how they are delivered matters even more.
If you are preparing to address your company to calm nerves and communicate a new direction, take the time to practise. Record yourself. Listen carefully to your tone and inflections.
Work on sounding confident and in command—not timid or uncertain.
Second, dress like you’re in charge.
The general stood before his men in full uniform. He understood that the uniform gave him authority and presence.
For you, dress the part. Whatever helps you project the appearance of being confident and in control, wear it.
Jeans and a wrinkled T-shirt don’t usually communicate authority and confidence.
Finally, communicate a plan.
Even if you don’t yet have a fully developed path forward, you need to give your team something.
Perhaps all you have are the first five steps. If so, give the team those five steps. Explain that the next five will reveal themselves as you continue moving forward.
You do not have the luxury of remaining silent.
Your team is depending on you to tell them what comes next. Communicate the plan clearly, boldly, and confidently.
Hopefully, you will never find yourself in a bunker with bombs falling above you.
But there will be days when it feels like you are.
Stay strong. Keep moving. Communicate boldly and clearly.
Never let them see you sweat.
Creating Unparalleled Experiences,
Chris Adams
Ellis Adams Group is always updating our blogs with the latest and greatest, view more below.
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