29 Benefits of Composure for Leaders

Composure is more than simply keeping your emotions in check. It’s an essential component to become a successful leader.

As sage advice from father to son, Rudyard Kipling begins his famous poem If- with these wise words:

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you…

This is great advice for any leader. Encouraging someone to “keep your head” is akin to promoting the value of composure.

As a differentiating value, Composure means steadiness of mind under stress; self-possession; or calmness.

Now, some might associate maintaining composure with the popular saying “fake it ‘til you make it.” But real composure can’t be faked. When the stress of a major challenge hits, the truth is made known. You either have it or you don’t.

The time to acquire composure is before you need it. It’s like muscle. Composure needs to be continually exercised to remain strong.

If you question the time and investment of building composure into your leadership DNA, consider a few of the benefits that this value brings.

29 Benefits of Composure for Leaders

1. Be more decisive.
2. Stay clear headed.
3. Cope better with stress.
4. Possess increased resolve.
5. Project a more positive attitude.
6. Less likely to lie (to ourselves and others).
7. Enjoy more rewards (for doing the right thing).
8. Become more focused and goal-oriented.
9. Enjoy a greater sense of accomplishment.
10. Produce better results in negotiations.
11. Remain visible for followers to see.
12. Builds confidence in others.
13. Maintain self-control.
14. Helps preserve personal honor.
15. Creates healthier interpersonal relationships.
16. Less susceptibility to abusive behaviors (e.g. drugs, alcohol).
17. Ability to diffuse tension (often through humor).
18. Helps avoid procrastination.
19. Stimulates momentum.
20. Promotes success.
21. Preserves integrity.
22. Fewer excuses.
23. Reduces aggression.
24. Helps avoid procrastination.
25. Promotes better mental health.
26. More readily accept responsibilities.
27. Encourages superior performance.
28. More effective coping skills.
29. Leads to greater wealth.

 

What other ways can leaders benefit from the value of composure?

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Determination-Focus” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.