Are you composed under pressure?
Yesterday, I was leading a Zoom session for our LifeStyle Collective program when a mouse nibbled on my toe.
I was standing barefoot at my desk in my home office. Summer has arrived here after all!
Before I could fully process what was happening, the little creature ran up my leg. I was wearing wide-leg, loose-fitting jeans.
I did what many otherwise composed women might do.
I shrieked.
For a brief moment, there was chaos as I strategically maneuvered to encourage the mouse to exit my jeans and my office. Once I saw it scurry out of the room, I took a breath, laughed, and got right back to the conversation at hand.
Ironically, our session topic was about setting expectations, managing stress, and trusting yourself ahead of the busy summer season.
Talk about leading by example!
After years of coaching others about leadership, presence, and composure, this tiny intruder reinforced a few beliefs I hold dear: - Call the moment. It was funny. No one was hurt. Nobody died. When you can laugh at yourself, others gladly laugh with you.
- Practice what you preach. People don't just listen to what you teachβthey watch how you respond when life catches you off guard.
- You can't control most situations. You can only control your reaction.
The truth is, composure isn't staying perfectly calm at all times. It's recovering quickly, keeping perspective, and moving forward with graceβand maybe a little humor. As much as I'd prefer this little field mouse to find another residence, I have to admit I'm grateful for the leadership lesson it delivered today. And in case you're wondering... My home office wardrobe is probably a lot like yours: Polished on top. Casual on the bottom. The only change I'll be making? No more bell-bottom jeans in the office! π Learn more about The LifeStyle Collective, the group coaching program I personally facilitate alongside our styling offerings, here. It blends the best of our styling services with an expanded focus on whole-person beauty and wellness. Summer enrollment is now open (and mouse tolerance is optional!). Best, Mary Lou | 
