The Cycle of Leadership Pressure
Leadership runs in cycles. You push for growth, experience momentum, and then things plateau or fall apart. At each turning point, a defining moment appears — the kind that calls for change, clarity, and courage. These aren’t calendar events. They’re intersections of opportunity and disruption. And how you respond sets the tone for everyone watching.
Anticipating What You Can’t Predict
Defining moments rarely arrive with a warning. But seasoned leaders learn to sense them coming. You feel the tension before it lands. You notice a shift in performance, energy, or communication. These are your data points — the early warnings that help you prepare. If you’re paying attention, you can soften the impact and pivot quickly. If you’re not, you’ll get hit hard.
All Eyes on You
Even when you’ve built a solid team, when a major moment hits, eyes turn back to the top. I’ve seen this play out more than once. In 2012, I had to lead through internal pressure. In 2020, the COVID shock demanded everything from everyone. And even now, I find myself carrying a familiar weight. But what’s different today is the team around me. Their defining moments are happening too, just in their spaces. And I’m watching them rise.
The Power of Presence
In high-pressure moments, your presence becomes a stabiliser. It’s not just about strategy. It’s about showing up calm, clear, and decisive. When you’re steady, others feel steady. When you hesitate or panic, the ripple spreads. You may not control the moment, but you control the experience. And that makes all the difference.
Building a Foundation for the Unexpected
You can’t eliminate defining moments, but you can prepare for them. Keep cash in the bank. Build systems that support agility. Watch your key metrics. Know the difference between a blip and a trend. The businesses that fell apart in 2020 weren’t destroyed by COVID — many were already fragile, operating without a safety net.
Opportunity Inside the Crisis
Every defining moment brings loss and gain. Something will break. Something else will begin. You’ll see which team members are passengers and which are committed. You’ll learn who believes in the mission. And if you’re paying attention, the moment will force you to evolve. New direction, new focus, and a sharper sense of what matters.
Shared Leadership Through Defining Moments
When you’ve built a healthy leadership structure, you’re not the only one navigating change. Others will face their own defining moments alongside you. Your strength gives them permission to lead. Their resilience creates shared momentum. It’s not just your test — it’s everyone’s.
The Leader People Remember
It’s easy to lead when things are going well. It’s how you show up when they’re not that defines you. The way you respond in crisis is what people remember. So when the moment hits — and it will — be ready. Lead with clarity. Lead with composure. And most of all, lead in a way that creates leaders around you.