By Daniel

“I learned two things: First, it’s good to solicit your people’s opinions before you give them yours. And second, your people will be very influenced by how you carry yourself under stress.”   - Lloyd Blankfein

FORTUNE’s June lineup highlighted the best advice I ever got from some of the most influential leaders today. The head honcho at Goldman Sachs gave some advice that rang out like lady wisdom herself; The formula for dealing with a crisis.

I currently work on one of the highest profile projects that has our two biggest divisions joining forces. Operating out of the “war room” I’ve been exposed to the highest levels in our company, and some high stress situations to say the least. Amidst all this fury, I’ve been able to observe multiple teams and the leaders that lead them.

In my three months on this project so far I’ve watched extreme anxiety in the room dissipate under a composed leader. I’ve also seen frustration and angst boil to a breaking point under men and women that just couldn’t hold it together. The leaders that have been able to focus and drive their teams under pressure have almost always followed this formula. In a situation of crisis they’ve echoed the best advice that Lloyd Blankfein ever got.

They Let Their Team Speak First

Talking things out helps a lot of people calm their nerves. If they’re looking at a calm and collected individual that is doing nothing but listening, they will naturally slow down. Allowing people the time to just “get it out” eventually brings them down a couple notches.

They Show Empathy and Stay Composed

This is really the make or break of the whole situation. Acknowledge the fear, anger, anxiety or whatever core emotion dominating the verbiage. No matter what you’re feeling. No matter what the situation… YOU must stay composed. Sure, you may be on the brink of pissing your pants or pissed off six ways from Sunday; Don’t show it. Your composure will become the strongest influencer in the room.

And for the love of god please don’t cry.

They Respond

You must respond. This is the chance to push your team in the right direction, and it comes last. Speaking last allows you to adapt your message appropriately and set the tone for moving forward. Even if you don’t have an answer. Re-assuring your team and zoning in on the next steps will help re-align their emotions and focus.

From my experience in the war room, the same formula has been applied to small one-on-one conversations to full blown high stakes meetings. In this life there are leaders and there are followers. How you respond in the storms of adversity will define both your leadership and the team you represent.