The truth is, under stress, most of us are blind to our own behaviour. Let me share a story to show you what I mean.
I was watching a couple playing a high-stakes game. They were up against other couples, with a big prize on the line. The pressure was intense, and their interactions? Brutal. They shouted, blamed each other, and behaved in ways that would probably wreck most relationships.
But here’s the kicker: in the post-game interview, the woman said something fascinating. She praised her partner, talked about their “respectful” relationship, and even said they were ready for a baby. Then they watched the footage of themselves—and were horrified. Embarrassed. Ashamed.
Why?
Because they had no idea how they were acting in the moment.
What’s Going On Here? Here’s what happens when stress hits: our conscious, thoughtful behaviour gets hijacked by automatic responses. Fight, flight, freeze—call it what you want. But it’s not just our behaviour that changes. Our perception of ourselves becomes warped, too. We don’t just act differently under pressure; we don’t even see how we’re acting.
And here’s the problem: as leaders, we don’t have the luxury of being blind to our actions. People watch us closely. They follow our example—not what we say we’ll do, but what we actually do when the heat is on.
This is the real “walk your talk” challenge. You might have the best intentions, but stress can sabotage them. And when that happens, the side effects can be devastating:
• Alienating your team
• Creating fear or toxicity in the workplace
• Undermining your own effectiveness
The Solution:
Train Your Stress Response
At our institute, we specialize in helping leaders master this. It’s not about eliminating stress—it’s about learning to regulate it and respond effectively.
Here’s a quick example:
I worked with an executive who found it challenging to address a team member who wasn’t meeting expectations. The stress of dealing with this individual led her to avoid difficult conversations altogether. Even when she attempted to address the issue, her approach was so gentle and indirect that nothing ever got resolved. We recorded her in action, and during the playback, she became aware of the physical signs of stress—such as a tight stomach and tense shoulders—that were fuelling her tendency to evade confrontation.
We installed a simple embodied leadership practice to help her handle stress differently. When we simulated the situation again, she addressed the issue head-on. She stayed calm, friendly, but firm—exactly what the moment called for. Afterward, she realized her fear of seeming harsh was unfounded. The result? Clarity, resolution, and respect.
What About You?
Do you want to lead with greater effectiveness, authenticity, and presence—even under pressure? Let us help you develop the tools to regulate stress and truly walk your talk.
Reach out, and let’s get started.