Using Calm as A Competitive Edge
- Mikayla O. Faulkner
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read

The ability to stay calm is a true skill that all entrepreneurs can benefit from. Improving this skill can improve leadership skills, decision-making, and effective communication. To help you succeed at this and elevate your leadership, we’ve compiled how to dominate competition with calmness.
Listen to Your “Real” Manager ( The Nervous System)
The central nervous system plays an important role in how we respond to stress. When faced with challenges, the body's fight-flight-or-freeze response is activated. This leads to an increase in heart rate and fast breathing.
For those in leadership positions, experiencing a stress response can negatively affect you on a day-to-day basis. If this stress doesn’t get checked, it can lead to decreased productivity, lack of concentration, memory lapses, and even burnout. If you’re in need of stress management techniques, we’ve got you covered. There are evident benefits of being calm, but it's even more beneficial when you know how it helps you as a leader.
Gained Trust and Stability
When a leader remains calm in high-pressure situations, it sends a clear message of steadiness and control. This composure reassures team members, clients, and stakeholders alike. In tense situations, you will be seen as a firm way to ground the room, in turn creating a more grounded work environment.
People are naturally drawn to leaders who don’t panic. It makes them feel more confident that challenges will be handled with thought. Over time, this creates deeper trust, giving calm leaders an edge in building strong, connected teams.
Better Decision-Making
Stress and chaos can cloud your judgment. A calm leader is more likely to think clearly, consider all options, and choose the best course of action. This clarity is especially important when managing complex problems or making decisions with long-term impact. Leaders who stay calm are less reactive and more proactive. They tend to be more strategic, which allows them to spot opportunities others might miss. This kind of level-headed leadership helps businesses operate more effectively and stay competitive in fast-moving markets.
Better Communication and Influence
A calm disposition helps leaders communicate information more effectively. This shows up in moments when clear messaging is critical. When emotions run high, people look to their leaders for guidance. Those who speak with control and intention tend to hold more influence. Their words carry weight and clarity. This presence strengthens collaboration amongst the team and improves outside factors. Partners and clients are more likely to view calm leaders as competent, reliable, and worth investing in.
Conclusion
For leaders, maintaining a calm nervous system is not just about personal well-being. It is an integral step to effective leadership. A calm leader instills trust and stability, has great decision-making skills, and effective communication and influence. Taking advantage of a calm nature optimizes the opportunity to be a better leader. After implementing the practices to reduce stress, you're already one step closer! From there, you can navigate challenges with greater ease and inspire teams and competitors alike more effectively.
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