More than eight-tenths of senior leaders said they are often placed in situations at work where they find it difficult to remain calm.
This is according to the report ‘Thinking On Your Feet’ published by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) Business. It found that 81 per cent of leaders are often placed in scenarios where they find it hard to remain calm.
More than a third (37 per cent) of managers, directors and C-Suite feel that high-pressure situations make it harder to prepare and express their thoughts.
Also, 31 per cent of business leaders admit that board meetings with other senior personnel are the main reason which can affect their ability to relax. With 30 per cent saying the same regarding video conferences and training sessions.
Business leaders said the main side effects of not being able to remain calm in the office is not being able to maintain eye contact (30 per cent), slouching (25 per cent) and physically shaking (21 per cent).
This has led to leaders seeking out extra training on how to adapt to change and amend their management style.
Rachel Griffiths, client director at RADA Business, said:
In any given moment, on any given stage, it is the role of a leader to create and sustain a genuine connection with their audience. It is this powerful leadership performance, rather than an outstanding PowerPoint presentation, that encourages people to follow you and make positive change.
RADA Business feels leaders who focus on what they are saying tend to lose their personnel connection with others.
This study was put together by researching 1,000 workplaces.
Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.
