How to keep your head when all about you are losing theirs

1. What you should think:

• This is temporary.

•  There is a solution here.

• One step at a time.

• Clarity comes from action.

• We have handled tough situations before.

2. How you should carry yourself:

• Project calm through steady eye contact.

• Speak in measured, confident tones.

• Hold a grounded, open posture.

• Breathe deeply and visibly stay composed.

3. What you should say:

• Let’s break this down.

• Help me understand.

• Here is what we know for sure.

• This is our next step.

• We will figure this out together.

4. What you should ask:

• What is the most critical issue now?

•  What additional information do we need?

• Who else should be involved?

• What has worked in similar situations before?

• What is our immediate next step?

5. What we should do:

• Create immediate structure.

• Establish clear priorities and next steps. 

• Set up regular communication rhythms. 

• Bring people together quickly.

• Stay visible and accessible to the team.

Source: SPES Africa