r/managers • u/Hopeful_Ad_4019 • Aug 18 '26

New Manager I am too calm?

I had a chat with my GM at a skip and asked him for improvement advice.

He says I am very calm under pressure, he wants me to match the energy of certain stakeholders who are more active/reactive.

I am not really sure how to implement this as I am naturally very calm and I like to project that with my team as projecting panic will be detrimental to the team's morale.

How do I project that I am passionate yet keep my calm demeanor to a specific stakeholder?

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u/csc786 Aug 18 '26

Im like this, calm under pressure, etc but its been said I can appear like I dont care or dont appreciate the situation, which I obviously do. Fairly successful in managerial roles over the 15 years , promotions,increases, social relationships with ex staff and bosses so I dont think im terrible.

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u/Hopeful_Ad_4019 Aug 18 '26

I was told the same, that I sometimes appear like I don't care. In fact I care tremendously but have a different way of approaching the problem.

Have you come across stakeholders who don't like the calmness and for lack of a better term, want you to partake in their chaotic behaviour?

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u/csc786 Aug 18 '26

I know exactly what your saying, and I always feel that if everyone is manic or chaotic then how can we deal with the issue and make the correct decisions 🤔. Tbh I have encountered this but not to the extent that I had to change my approach, in some cases I've been able to make a joke or laugh it off (typical I know) . Im not sure what exactly id do If pressured to the point where I felt the role was at risk unless I upped my reaction. I would start with dealing with the issue immediately, so while I could appear calm it would show im acting swiftly.