Composed: The Heart and Science of Leading Under Pressure

by Rob McKenna

The Heart and Science of Leading Under Pressure is a roadmap for standing firmly in who we are while staying connected to those who matter most to us—especially when high pressure moments come. It doesn’t matter whether you are a CEO, parent, manager, or student, none of us are immune to the possibility of losing it when the pressure is on. For some people, public speaking is a fear. Maybe conflict makes you uncomfortable. For others, simply being responsible for the experience or learning of others causes you anxiety. Even for seasoned leaders who face pressure every day, showing up their best can be tough. Whether pressure makes us feel incompetent and unworthy, or mean and reactive, the impact of losing our composure is significant.Our capacity to compose ourselves when the pressure is highest, to lead strong, and to lead with care in the most difficult situations of conflict and anxiety may have the single greatest impact on our families, our teams, our organizations, and the world that surrounds us. The stakes are too high for us, and for those we love, to wait any The Heart and Science of Leading Under Pressure, is based on our research on the developmental journey of thousands of leaders who have taken the Leading Under Pressure Inventory. This inventory is one of eight whole leader development tools in the WiLD Toolkit. To access the Leading Under Pressure Inventory or the entire suite of tools for yourself, your small group, team, organization, or coaching practice, visit www.wildtoolkit.com.

Genres: Leadership

112 pages, Paperback

Published September 14, 2020

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every leader must grapple with the tension between maintaining self-composure and being attentive to the composure of others in high pressure situations. This book offers the tools, research, and practical application necessary to grow in leading with composure, whether you default towards domineering or passivity.

[Kate Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter offers a binary pattern of behavior -- people are either Type X or Type Y -- and encourages balance. It's a helpful framework for each type of issue, but the geometry of the types combined create so many variants and textures of gray that it's hard to know which direction to start on for improving leadership -- I suppose the one that feels most dichotomous.
Helpful dynamics to be thinking in, but so relational that the book almost requires work with a coach or peer group. The coaching chart at the end is an especially useful summary.

[Ashley Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to say similar information that other leadership books say and lacking originality. However, the small size allows it to be read quickly.

[Thom Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has good practical help along with the theory. I could see myself in the situations he provides as examples along with thinking where was this book 20 years ago. I have served as a pastor, educator and currently as a missionary. I have found this book to be on target and very helpful.