We are human. We stumble. And sometimes, we make a fool of ourselves.
I recently witnessed a highly respected person: calm by nature, admired by many; lose his temper in public. His voice rose, hands flung in the air, face flushed with anger.
An accusation had stung him deeply, and the moment took over.
As I watched, I felt compassion more than judgment. Because that was not who he truly is. He is a kind and grounded man, simply pulled away from his center by emotion.
Haven’t we all had such moments: when something inside us snaps faster than our wisdom can catch it?
That is why calm matters so much. The art of holding yourself when everything inside you wants to react. To breathe before you speak. To anchor your presence before your power. Leadership is not about never losing control; it’s about learning how to return to it quickly and gracefully.
I was reminded of Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, whose composure under pressure is remarkable. No matter the question or provocation, his voice stays measured, his gaze steady, his words precise. His calm becomes his credibility.
When leaders hold themselves with dignity, they give permission for others to do the same. Calm is not weakness: it is quiet strength. It is presence in motion.
Smile and Let Smile 