Summary: The images coming from the Middle East are impossible to ignore. Bombs. Fear. Uncertainty. Even from thousands of miles away, our nervous systems respond. And leaders feel it too. In times like these, familiar stress patterns emerge in organizations. Here are leadership thoughts for chaotic times.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
How do I show up for my team during these uncertain times? Is it best to ignore what is going on in other parts of the world? Or, perhaps it would be a good idea to discuss our feelings about power and control in a special team meeting? Or maybe we should give time off to buy extra food and provisions, just “in case.”
People around me often complain they cannot sleep through the night or are having digestive issues.
What can I do to support those I work closest with, and especially, my family?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Signed,
Weary
Leading With Calm When The World Is Loud
Dear Weary,
Yes, there does seem to be a constant drum beat of fury around the world. Often it is right at our doorstep. And other times, while miles away, it feels like just one tiny breath away due to social media.
This is the time for leaders to move past ingrained patterns.
Sadly, many leaders become hypervigilant (Persecutor/Bully), tightening control. Others become silent (Avoider), hoping not to make things worse. And many carry everyone else’s emotional burden, (Martyr) exhausting themselves.
Patterned reactions are human. They are biological. They are protective.
However, many of these ingrained patterns are outdated. They are not what people need most.
For example, years ago in China, I joined a group of people from around the world to walk with the Vietnamese Zen teacher Thích Nhất Hanh in silent meditation. China was and is complex, and while we were there at the invitation of the government, we all felt the need to be cautious. During the walk there were no speeches, no urgency. Just calm presence. And something remarkable happened: people settled. Breathing slowed. Fear loosened its grip.
Nothing outside had changed. But everything inside had.
What Neuroscience Now Confirms: Nervous Systems Synchronize
When leaders are reactive, teams feel it. And when leaders are grounded, stability spreads.
This is what research now confirms: emotional states are contagious. The heart communicates with the brain. The gut senses danger before conscious awareness. And when leaders bring these systems into alignment, they transmit coherence.
I call these moments glimmers, small signals that interrupt fear and remind us that steadiness is still possible.
Become a leader who pauses before responding.
Consider being a leader who acknowledges uncertainty honestly.
Mostly, be a leader who listens without rushing to fix.
These moments restore trust.
When leaders are reactive, teams feel it.
And when leaders are grounded, stability spreads.
The Most Powerful Leadership Is Not Loud. It Is Regulated.
It sounds like, “I know there is a lot happening in the world. Let’s take this one step at a time.”
It looks like:
- Pausing before reacting
- Listening fully
- Choosing clarity over fear
These glimmers are the small signals of safety that help others regain their footing.
You do not need to control global events to make a difference.
When you bring your head, heart, and gut into alignment, others can find steadiness in your presence.
That is leadership.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS: My book, GLIMMERS at Work: The New Leadership Operating System for Head, Heart, & Gut will be available soon. Want a free peak at the introduction? Email me at: sylvia@ceoptions.com
