Remaining Calm

This week it’s less of a fable and more a leadership lesson from history
Abraham Lincoln how to stay professional and not to let your emotions rule you

Abraham Lincoln was the epitome of a calm leader, and he accomplished many things.

However, with his great achievements he also had a reputation for remaining calm, even when those around him severely tested his nerve or annoyed him. He was the consummate professional, he didn’t get angry.

Apparently he managed this by keeping a lid on his emotions at the time he was annoyed, and then at the soonest possible moment wrote a letter to the person who had annoyed him, putting on paper all the feelings he had pent up at the time. These letters were never sent! He filed them away until he’d calmed down, at which point he would dispose of the letter. If he knew that the person was aware they had annoyed him, he would write a second letter saying he didn’t bear them a grudge.


You don't have to do a Lincoln and write a letter, but it is useful to find a way to release your emotions without screaming at others. Whether that's going for a walk, playing squash or relaxing with a good book, finding an outlet for your pent-up anger and disappointment will make your relationships at work much better. Although there is a lot to be said for physically writing down how you feel about a situation and then destroying it - it can be quite satisfying and doesn’t upset everyone.

Next step is to learn how to have difficult conversations with people to make sure the likelihood of a situation arising again is reduced!!