Mastering the 17% Moments:
What Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Say Under Pressure
“Between stimulus and response there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
– Viktor Frankl
When was the last time you faced a pressure-packed moment and kept your cool? When the heat was on, but you led with clarity and compassion instead of cortisol?
Let’s be honest – we’ve all experienced those moments when our emotions threaten to hijack our better judgment. That flash of frustration, that surge of stress, that temptation to react rather than respond. But here’s the truth I’ve learned coaching thousands of leaders: Your legacy isn’t built in the calm 83% of leadership moments – it’s forged in the critical 17% when everything feels like it’s on the line.
The good news? Emotional composure is a muscle anyone can strengthen. Here are 12 phrases I’ve watched the most emotionally intelligent leaders use to transform pressure into progress:
This week, I challenge you to:
Identify your personal “17% moment” triggers (Is it last-minute changes? Personality conflicts? Unrealistic demands?)
Arm yourself with 2-3 of these phrases like emotional first-aid kit
Debrief after heated moments – What worked? What would you do differently?
Remember: Leadership isn’t about avoiding storms – it’s about learning to dance in the rain. When we master our 17% moments, we don’t just solve problems – we build trust that lasts long after the crisis passes.
Your turn: Which phrase will you test-drive this week? Hit reply – I’d love to hear how it goes.
Here’s to mastering our 17% moments!
–Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
