One of the most important traits of a successful leader is staying calm under pressure. If you’re overwhelmed, your team likely is too. As a project manager, your team relies on you, and effective leadership can transform workflow. In construction, things can go wrong fast, but reacting negatively to every issue will only make your job more stressful.

I’m going to share three things I do to stay calm in stressful situations, allowing me to better solve problems as they arise.

The 3-Minute Rule

The 3-minute rule is very simple: if something takes less than three minutes to do, do it right away. If someone sends you an email with a question and you know the answer, reply immediately. If there’s a quick call you need to make, do it right away. It’s easy to put off small tasks, thinking you’ll handle them later. But as the day unfolds, you’ll likely realize you’ve neglected them altogether.

By tackling these small tasks immediately, you maintain control over your day. Feeling in control translates to staying calm, and staying calm allows you to perform better.

Book Meetings

Have you ever found yourself trying to solve an issue that requires input from multiple people or companies? You send emails, make calls, wait for responses, and chase down information. The best way to streamline this process is to book a meeting with all the parties involved. The most efficient way to address an issue—especially a site issue—is to have everyone physically present, looking at the problem and discussing solutions together.

Make sure you come prepared to the meeting to avoid wasting anyone’s time. As a project manager, you don’t need to have all the answers, but you should be able to facilitate discussions with those who do. More on how to lead effective meetings here.

It Is What It Is

This simple phrase is one you should remind yourself of throughout the day. In construction, so many things are out of your control that it’s physically impossible to stress over them all. Whether it’s a client requesting something unreasonable, a consultant pointing out a mistake, or a design calling for an impractical installation—just remind yourself: it is what it is.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should ignore real issues. If something is genuinely wrong, it needs to be addressed. However, to stay calm and collected, you must accept that not everything will go according to plan. Adopting this mentality helps you control how you react to unexpected challenges, leading to a more composed approach and overall better performance.

Final Thoughts

Remaining calm under pressure is essential for any project manager. By applying the techniques above, you can stay focused, meet deadlines, and create a positive work environment for your team.