INSIGHTS.

Trust isn’t built by intention — it’s built by behaviour. And it’s rarely lost in one dramatic moment, but through small lapses under pressure. This article explores how leaders build trust through calm, consistency, and clarity, why calm is contagious, and how leaders who act as secure bases help teams think clearly, speak up, and perform when it matters most.

When pressure hits, leadership is revealed. In high-stakes moments — whether on a ship off the coast of Somalia or in a modern organisation — teams look to their leader for one thing above all else: clarity. This article explores what leadership under pressure really feels like, why calmness is a trainable skill, and how staying composed in critical moments creates better decisions, stronger teams, and decisive action when it matters most.

What can modern leaders learn from combat, aviation, and emergency medicine? In Team of Teams, General Stanley McChrystal shows how decentralised, high-trust teams outperform rigid hierarchies in complex environments. This review breaks down the key concepts and stories — and why they matter for real-world leadership today.

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a game-changer for leaders and coaches. This review explores how small, daily actions shape identity and long-term performance — with real-world examples, tactical resets, and links to our C8 Leadership System. Habits aren’t just personal — they’re professional.