Have you ever received challenging news that tested the strength of your character?

Maybe you learned that your spouse was diagnosed with a serious medical condition, or you missed out on a promotion at work. How did you respond?

If we’re honest, we all respond poorly to the challenges we face sometimes. But part of being a leader is learning how to manage your emotions and respond to difficult situations.

Influential leaders are always aware of their surroundings and understand the impact their reactions and language have on people around them. Celebrating wins and creating a positive environment is easy when everything is going great. However, when you are tested, your true character will show.

The way you respond to hardship will define the way your family sees the situation and influence the way your coworkers, neighbors, and social media friends see God.

Everyone makes mistakes and faces unforeseen hardships in their lives. Being a Christian doesn’t mean we can avoid all of these things, but it does mean that we can respond in a way that reflects who we are in Christ.

Here are some strategies you can use to build your leadership composure:

Practice Self-Awareness

Be aware of your own emotions and how they may affect your behavior. Take time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and work to identify triggers that may cause you to lose your composure. Once you learn these triggers, you can better prepare for them.

In the Psalms, we frequently see David lamenting his circumstances. The key is that he does not stay there! By the end of the Psalms, he has turned his eyes to God and is praising Him. Think about your natural reactions. If you’re like David and have an emotional response to challenges, create a way to get away from the situation and refocus your mind.

Develop Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions and understand and influence the feelings of the people in your circle of influence. By developing emotional intelligence, you can better control your emotional reactions and respond to situations in a calm and composed manner. Developing a high EQ will help you as a parent, leader, and employee.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

Being positive is not a skill; it is a choice. The Bible tells us this: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2). Think about things that line up with the Word of God! Fighting for a positive mindset may require you to take a time out and get out of the heat of the battle to reframe your mind.

Seek Support

Finally, don't be afraid to seek support from others when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Try talking to a pastor, close friend, or mentor. Don't make the mistake of trying to go it alone. We are better together!

As you build your leadership composure, you will find that you begin to handle situations differently. Instead of lashing out or being passive-aggressive, you will respond with peace and confidence. Not only will you have a more peaceful life, but you will also positively impact your family, friends, and co-workers for the better. They will see the living testimony of what God is doing in your life.