Series: 50 Most Pressing Questions Facing Managers in 2026.
SUMMARY
You learn the most about yourself when you’re under pressure. Pressure has a way of showing up when you least expect it in the form of a unseen crisis; and now with the age of AI, sudden changes are the norm. The question isn’t whether pressure will arrive — it’s whether you’ll have your “formula” ready when it does.
WHY: Pressure Is Inevitable
I learned a lot from my friend and Cisco’s former CEO, John Chambers, and he would always tell me: “You learn the most about people when they are under pressure.”
It’s a fascinating personal and professional development question: how will you react to pressure — whether it’s the big presentation at the sales meeting or the “realignment” of resources?
In my experience, pressure has a way of showing up when you least expect it. In my career I’ve certainly had those moments, like on the days where I was asked to lead Cisco’s communications response to the September 11th and Hurricane Katrina tragedies.
I knew my “formula” what grounded in who I am: I don’t over-react and I’m a quick decision-maker. I was able to be myself when the pressure arrived. How ready are you?