Leadership is often portrayed as a macho activity by a swashbuckling executive knocking heads, screaming out orders, and taking no prisoners.

The reality couldn’t be farther from the truth. Effective business leadership is more like drinking a glass of lemonade, stepping back from the chaos, really thinking about what needs to be done and why and who needs to be communicated with and in what sequence to talk with them.

If you’re obsessed with drama and creating theatrical performances, then I think you should stick to performing on a stage. If you want to be an effective business leader, I encourage you to have a glass of lemonade, relax, stay calm, and really think about what is best for the organization.