#47 - Are you a Warrior or a Worrier?
5 Feb 25
The real test of a leader is always going to be presented when it is least expected. And that generally happens during a crisis. Crisis Leadership is all about setting a vision and communicating it rapidly to your team so they can see a way through.
It's change management on steroids!
But as leaders we must ensure that we prepare for that day, whenever it may come. And that's why the Warrior mindset is key to success, rather than adopting a Worrier mindset!
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#47 - Are you a Warrior or a Worrier?
What?
I think that we can all agree through our various individual lived experiences that crisis reveals character.
We have all probably worked for those leaders who are good in a crisis, and those who may not be so good.
When uncertainty strikes, leaders either step up as Warriors; calm, decisive, and focused. Or they crumble under pressure as Worriers; paralyzed by fear and indecision. The difference isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about how you respond when faced with the unknown.
A crisis is any high-pressure situation where stakes are high, information is incomplete, and emotions run strong. Whether it’s an economic downturn, a team conflict, or an unexpected market shift, leaders must navigate chaos while keeping their teams aligned.
In these moments, some leaders panic, hesitate, and lose credibility. Others take control, inspire confidence, and guide their teams through the storm. The key difference is the ability to adopt a warrior mindset rather than a worrier mindset.
Why?
A Worrier Leader reacts emotionally, focuses on problems instead of solutions, and spreads uncertainty. This leads to:
- Decision paralysis and missed opportunities,
- A fearful, disengaged team,
- A culture of reactivity rather than resilience.
A Warrior Leader, on the other hand, embraces the challenge. They:
- Maintain clarity in the face of uncertainty,
- Communicate with confidence and transparency,
- Take decisive, strategic action,
- Inspire their team to stay focused and adaptable.
How?
Here’s how you can develop a warrior mindset when facing a crisis:
- Control the controllables – Identify what you can influence and take decisive action on those areas. Let go of what you can’t control.
- Communicate with calm and clarity – Your team is looking to you for direction. Even if you don’t have all the answers, be transparent, provide regular updates, and reinforce the bigger picture.
- Make decisions based on principles, not panic – Define your core leadership principles in advance so that when chaos hits, you have a decision-making framework.
- Model emotional stability – Your energy sets the tone. Stay composed, solution-focused, and resilient. If you panic, so will your team.
- Adapt and reassess – Crisis leadership is dynamic. Stay agile, gather feedback, and adjust your approach as new information emerges.
- Empower your team – A warrior doesn’t fight alone. Trust your team, delegate responsibilities, and encourage collaboration.
Crisis will always test leadership. The question is: Will you be a Warrior who leads with strength, clarity and confidence?
Or as a Worrier who hesitates and spreads doubt?
In Summary
I hope that you enjoyed reading this newsletter and that it has given you food for thought.
As with all things involving leadership, being able to lead with confidence during a crisis is a skill that must be developed and honed over time. But it's complicated becuase the nature of crises means that frequently, no two crises are going to be the same.
But the onus is on us all to prepare for that day of test as best we can...whenever that day comes!
Have a great week!
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