Keep calm and write something. Keep calm and create on. Keep calm and have a cupcake. Stay alive and avoid zombies.
You’ve seen them. The endless meme variations of “Keep Calm and Carry On” appear everywhere. The catchy phrase originated as a poster in 1939 by the British to boost public morale at the start of World War II. The owners of a bookstore found the poster in 2000 when sorting through a box of old books bought at an auction. They hung it up near the cash register and customers loved it!
The words and design are simple, but can you do it? Can you keep calm and carry on? What about when working with demanding executives or handling a stressful media crisis?
Working through sticky situations or even everyday challenges without breaking a sweat will help you gain respect for being level headed and establish you as the go-to person during a crisis. Getting nervous or tense only worsens the situation and sends a message that you aren’t capable of handling stress. Plus, you will enjoy life much more if you stay calm!
Tackle each challenge by focusing on the solution. Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed with everything that might go wrong (or already has). Also, it’s important to show appropriate regard for a serious encounter. Remaining calm does not equal being aloof.
So, keep calm and communicate on…
