The Taleo Perspective: Grace Under Pressure: Finding Strength When It Matters Most
Written by Laurel Sim, President and Managing Partner of Taleo
Life delivers jolts that remind us just how quickly things can change. Not long ago, my nephew was in a terrible accident and had to be airlifted to the hospital by STARS air ambulance. Thankfully, he’s recovering well. That experience brought everything into sharp focus and gave me deep appreciation for those who step up in crisis—including the STARS team.
Personal trauma has a way of stripping away the noise, leaving us with our true priorities. It’s in these moments we see just how important support, empathy, and community are—not just at home, but in our workplaces and teams.
Pressure Reveals Character
Watching the first responders and medical teams work was eye-opening. Some people seem born to manage chaos, steady under stress and laser focused. For the rest of us, pressure can mean racing hearts and foggy minds, a totally normal response. The good news? Grace under pressure isn’t just for a select few, it’s a skill we can learn and strengthen over time.
Building Everyday Resilience
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to start building your resilience. Here are a few ways you can start now:
Master your breath: When stress hits, take slow, deep breaths—just a few cycles can clear your mind and calm your nerves.
Use micro-checklists: In high-pressure moments, jot down the 3-5 things you cannot miss. It lightens the mental load.
Focus on the “next right step”: Don’t let overwhelm paralyze you. Ask, “What’s the very next thing to do?” then do just that.
Create a ritual: Before big moments, use a simple routine (deep breaths, a favorite song – I walk my dogs) to signal to your brain that you’re ready.
Take time to decompress: After stressful events, allow yourself even briefly to process. Talk it through, get fresh air, or simply pause.
Leading Through Crisis
If you lead a team, your response matters. Creating psychological safety means genuinely supporting people when life throws a curveball. You don’t need the perfect words just honest, caring ones.
Helpful:
“Take all the time you need. We’re here for you.”
“Your well-being comes first.”
What to avoid:
Pressuring for details or for a “quick return to normal.”
Making comparisons or minimizing their experience.
By making space for emotions and removing work pressure, you’re helping people find their own resilience.
The Power of Community & Support
My family’s experience with STARS was a stark reminder of how essential our community and those who dedicate themselves to helping others truly are. Organizations like STARS are built on everyday heroics and the generosity of supporters. If their work moves you, consider lending a hand; their readiness depends on all of us.
Moving Forward, Together
A crisis can reshape priorities overnight and reveal strengths we didn’t know we had. Resilience isn’t about being unaffected by hardship it’s about learning, growing, and connecting more deeply with others through it all.
No one gets through challenges alone. Whether it’s as a colleague, friend, or community member, your actions matter. Reach out. Share support. And remember, the kindness we show especially under pressure makes the biggest difference.
For more reflections on leadership, resilience, and the human side of work, check out our other blog posts.