The ability to think on your feet is a must-have skill in your career.
Whether you find yourself in a high-stakes interview, unexpectedly called upon in a meeting, or navigating a challenging conversation at work, being able to respond quickly and effectively can make a significant difference in both your confidence and credibility.
Yet, for so many of us, the pressure to perform under these circumstances can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, fumbling responses, or even complete mental blocks.
Perhaps you have been a crucial meeting, and suddenly, your boss turned to you for input on a project you were not expecting to discuss. Your heart raced, your mind went blank, and you scrambled for your words.
Or maybe you have been in an interview where the interviewer threw an unexpected question your way, and you struggled to formulate a coherent response. These situations can leave you feeling flustered and inadequate, and hurt your chances of achieving the goals you are working towards.
Peak performers understand that thinking on your feet requires a blend of quick thinking, effective communication, and composure.
It is about staying calm under pressure and delivering thoughtful responses, even when you did not have as much time to prepare. This skill becomes increasingly more important as you grow in seniority and responsibility, and when you have less information to base your decisions off of.
The good news is that thinking on your feet is a skill that can be developed with practice and the right strategies. Think of it like a muscle in that the more you stretch it and exercise it, the more second-nature it becomes in your communication style.
In fact, I recently coached one of my clients to think on her feet in her final stage interview. She initially felt concerned about handling questions from the CEO that could potentially throw her off guard. Instead, through the strategies we cover in this week's newsletter, she showed up with full confidence and spoiler alert, just landed the job offer!
You can absolutely improve your ability to handle spontaneous challenges with confidence and infuse this into your communication strategy in a way that builds your professionalism, trust and connection.
Here's how.
Key mistakes when thinking on your feet
The pressure to perform can often get the best of you in unpredictable or spontaneous situations. You want to show up as your best self while the stress or anxiety you face is preventing you from doing so.
That said, learning how to refine your communication and manage your response style in these contexts will help you to feel much more in control.
With that in mind, here are 5 mistakes hurting your chances of thinking on your feet effectively:
β Panicking: When faced with an unexpected question or situation, most people panic, which can trigger a fight-or-flight response. This reaction will cloud your thinking, making it difficult to come up with coherent and effective responses. Panicking often leads to stumbling over words or drawing a blank entirely, even when deep down, you knew how to answer this question.
β Overthinking: Trying to craft the perfect response under pressure can lead to overthinking. Instead of focusing on delivering a clear and concise answer, you might get caught up in analyzing every detail, which can result in a slow or convoluted response. Overthinking can also cause you to second-guess yourself and lose confidence in your answer.
β Rushing: In an attempt to quickly provide an answer, you may be inclined to rush your response without fully understanding the question or considering your thoughts. This can lead to incomplete or unclear answers that fail to address the issue at hand. Rushing can also cause you to overlook important details or miss the opportunity to make a compelling message that truly sticks.
β Freezing: This is a common reaction to being put on the spot. In these moments, your mind may go completely blank, leaving you unable to articulate any response. Freezing often occurs when you feel unprepared or overwhelmed, and can easily hinder your credibility within the conversation.
β Ignoring the question: Sometimes, you might inadvertently ignore the actual question or issue being addressed. This can result in answers that are off-topic or irrelevant, which can frustrate the other person and weaken your position. It is key to listen carefully to ensure you actually answer what they are asking.
3 strategies to think on your feet with confidence
1/ Thinking on your feet in interviews
Interviews will test you in many ways. They are designed not just to assess your qualifications for the role, but also to gauge your problem-solving abilities, composure under pressure, and how you handle unanticipated challenges.
The ability to quickly formulate thoughtful and succinct responses can make a lasting impression on your interviewers and significantly increase your chances of success in landing the job offer.
Now despite your best efforts in preparing meticulously for expected questions, there may still be moments where you are caught off guard. This is normal but can also be unsettling and impact your confidence for the remainder of the interview.
Peak performers recognize that developing the skill to think on your feet in interviews involves a combination of preparation, mental agility, and communication techniques. By anticipating potential questions, practicing structured responses, and maintaining a calm and positive demeanour, you can navigate even the most challenging interview scenarios.
Here are 5 action steps to implement this in your next interviews:
β Prepare for a variety of scenarios: Anticipate a wide range of questions, including those that might seem challenging or unexpected. Beyond standard questions about your experience and skills, think about behavioural and situational questions that require you to demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving abilities. Prepare for questions like, "Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge," or "How would you handle a situation where you disagree with a team member?"
Pro tip: Create a list of potential questions and practice answering them out loud. This can help you become more comfortable with articulating your thoughts and reduce anxiety about being put on the spot.
β Leverage my 3-part response framework: The WHAT-HOW-RESULT method is a powerful framework for structuring your answers. When faced with a complex question, use this method to break down your answer into clear and concise segments. Describe the situation you were in, how you worked through it or overcame it, and the results/impact that stemmed from those efforts. This approach ensures your response is well-organized and demonstrates your ability to handle challenges effectively.
Pro tip: Apply this framework to practice questions, focusing on providing specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements. This will make it easier to recall and present these examples during the interview, even if asked something you did not initially prepare for extensively.
β Pause and reflect: It is perfectly acceptable to take a moment to think before responding to a challenging question. A brief pause allows you to gather your thoughts and formulate a coherent answer. You can say something like, "That's a really insightful question. Would it be alright if I take a few moments to reflect on that and come back to this question shortly?" This shows that you are thoughtful and considerate in your responses, rather than rushing to speak without thinking.
Pro tip: Practice taking deliberate pauses during your mock interviews. This can help you become more comfortable with pausing and reduce the impulse to respond immediately.
β Stay calm: Maintaining a relaxed and positive demeanour is crucial, especially when faced with tough questions. Your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions all contribute to the impression you make. Even if a question catches you off guard, staying composed and smiling can convey confidence and resilience. Remember, interviewers are often looking for candidates who can handle stress gracefully.
Pro tip: Use deep-breathing techniques or positive visualization before the interview to calm your nerves. Practice maintaining a relaxed posture and positive expression during practice sessions.
β Pivot to your strengths: If you encounter a question that you find particularly difficult, try to pivot to a related topic where you can highlight your strengths. For example, if you are asked about a technical skill you lack, you might discuss how quickly you learn new technologies or provide an example of a time you successfully acquired a new skill under pressure. This approach allows you to steer the conversation towards your capabilities while still addressing the question.
Pro tip: Prepare a few key points or anecdotes about your strengths and achievements that you can use as pivot points. Practice incorporating these into your responses to different types of questions.
[Check out my recent newsletter on How to secure more job offers from interviews]
2/ Thinking on your feet in work meetings
Whether you are presenting updates, responding to questions, or contributing to a team discussion, the ability to think on your feet can significantly impact your effectiveness and credibility in work meetings.
It is highly likely you will be asked to provide instant feedback, solve problems on the spot, or react to new information, all without the luxury of time to prepare. Although challenging, it is also an opportunity to demonstrate your competence and agility, while showcasing your knowledge in your area of the business.
That said, the fear of being put on the spot in meetings can bring on anxiety and hesitation for many of us. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, appearing unprepared, or not contributing as effectively as you would like. This fear may even lead you to second-guess yourself or withdraw from the conversation.
Peak performers know that thinking on your feet in work meetings involves a combination of preparation, active listening, and strategic communication.
Here are 5 steps to put this into action:
β Prepare in advance: Review the meeting agenda and any relevant documents beforehand. Understanding the topics to be discussed allows you to anticipate potential questions and formulate preliminary thoughts. If you have a role in the meeting, prepare key points or updates you might need to present. Having this preparation done in advance equips you to respond more effectively and confidently when called upon. You can also anticipate questions better by pre-vetting your points ahead of time with your boss or other stakeholders you work with.
Pro tip: Create a habit of spending 10-15 minutes before each meeting reviewing the agenda and thinking about possible contributions or questions. This practice can significantly enhance your readiness to speak on the fly, while reducing unnecessary anxiety.
β Listen actively and take notes: This is crucial for staying engaged and prepared to respond. Focus on what others are saying and pay attention to the flow of the conversation. This helps you understand the context and nuances of the discussion, reading between the lines and making it easier to contribute relevant and timely input. Taking notes also provides a reference point if you need to respond to a question or provide feedback, and can help you pull up relevant information to support your responses.
Pro tip: Use short bullet points to capture essential messages in the meeting without getting overwhelmed. Review your notes periodically to keep track of the discussion and your potential responses.
β Use a response framework: When asked to speak on the spot, use a simple framework to organize your thoughts quickly. One effective approach is the "What, So What, Now What" framework: explain the situation or question (What), discuss its significance or implications (So What), and propose a next step or solution (Now What). This structure helps ensure your response is clear, concise, and relevant.
Pro tip: Practice applying this framework in different scenarios to become comfortable using it spontaneously. During meetings, mentally organize your responses using this structure to keep your input focused and impactful.
β Stay composed and confident: Your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions can convey assurance and credibility. If you are uncertain, it is okay to pause briefly to gather your thoughts or ask for clarification before responding. Remember, it is not just about what you say but also how your non-verbal communication supports the words you share.
Pro tip: Focus on maintaining an open posture and making eye contact to reinforce your confidence.
β Summarize and clarify when needed: If you need more time to think or the question is complex, start by summarizing what has been said. This shows that you are engaged and gives you a moment to organize your thoughts. You can follow up with something like "To recap, you would like to know more about X, correct?". You can also ask for clarification if the question is unclear or if you need more context. This approach demonstrates active listening and ensures that your response is aligned with the discussion.
Pro tip: Use follow-up phrases like "So to summarize, we are discussing..." or "Can you clarify what you mean by...". This technique helps you stay on track and provide more thoughtful input.
3/ Thinking on your feet in difficult conversations
Difficult work conversations are inevitable. Whether it is delivering critical feedback, addressing conflicts, or managing unexpected criticisms, you will be faced with this on multiple occasions.
These situations require you to respond quickly and thoughtfully under pressure, balancing professionalism with emotional intelligence. Handling difficult conversations can be particularly challenging because they often involve strong emotions, high stakes, or complex issues. The fear of escalating the situation or saying the wrong thing can make these interactions even more stressful and overwhelming.
Peak performers tap into managing their own emotions while understanding and addressing the concerns of others. By preparing mentally for these interactions, using structured communication techniques, and focusing on finding solutions, you can handle challenging conversations more effectively.
Here are 5 action steps to help you think on your feet in difficult conversations:
β Acknowledge the situation and emotions involved: This shows that you are engaged and empathetic, which can help de-escalate tensions and foster a more open dialogue. For example, if a colleague is upset about a project delay, you might start by saying, "I understand that you are frustrated about the delay, and I appreciate your patience. I am confident we can find a solution that works for both of us moving forward."
Pro tip: Practice phrases that acknowledge emotions and demonstrate empathy. Phrases like "I can see that this is important to you" or "I understand how you feel about this" can be effective in calming the situation and opening up constructive dialogue.
β Stay neutral and avoid defensiveness: Reacting defensively can escalate the conflict and make it harder to find a resolution as the other person may view it as a personal attack. This also runs the risk of hurting your relationship with them instead of fuelling collaboration needed in your working dynamic. Focus on listening and understanding the other person's perspective without immediately jumping to defend your actions or decisions.
Pro tip: Practice techniques to manage your emotions, such as deep breathing or counting to ten before responding. Use neutral language and maintain an open posture to convey that you are receptive to the other person's viewpoint.
β Ask open-ended questions to explore concerns: This approach not only provides you with more information but also shows that you are genuinely interested in resolving the issue. Questions like "Can you tell me more about what has been bothering you?" or "What do you think would be a good way to move forward?" can help guide the discussion towards solutions.
Pro tip: Prepare a list of open-ended questions that you can use in various difficult conversation scenarios. Practice using these questions to keep the dialogue focused on understanding and problem-solving.
β Take a moment to think before responding: When dealing with difficult topics, it is okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. A brief pause can help you formulate a more measured and thoughtful response. You can say, "I would like to take some time to consider that further. Can we come back to this later today?" This demonstrates that you are taking the conversation seriously and are committed to finding a constructive resolution.
Pro tip: Practice taking deliberate pauses during conversations, even in low-stakes situations. This can help you become more comfortable with pausing and reduce the impulse to react immediately.
β Propose solutions: Whenever possible, focus on next steps to address the issue at hand. This shows that you are proactive and committed to resolving the problem. Be specific about the actions you suggest and invite the other person to contribute their ideas as well. For example, you might say, "To address the delay, we can set up a weekly check-in to monitor progress and catch any potential issues early. Would that work for you?"
Pro tip: Develop a problem-solving mindset by regularly practicing proposing solutions in various contexts. This will make it easier to come up with constructive actions during difficult conversations as they arise.
[Check out my free LinkedIn Learning nano-course on Nano Tips for Handling Difficult Work Situations]
How will you think on your feet?
Thinking on your feet is a crucial skill that empowers you to handle unexpected challenges, articulate your thoughts clearly, and respond effectively under pressure. Whether in interviews, work meetings, or difficult conversations, mastering this ability can significantly enhance your professional presence and impact. As you continue to develop and refine this skill, you will find yourself better equipped to navigate the complexities of your career and achieve your goals with greater ease and success.
You've got this!
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This week's mission is aimed at helping you think on your feet with confidence. Leverage the below prompts and action steps to refine your communication and build your agility in various scenarios that are more challenging in nature. This will position you well to handle unexpected, difficult situations with ease and in a way that reinforces your professionalism.
1/ Enhance your interview readiness:
- Practice answering 5 interview questions that require you to think on your feet (reflect back on past interview examples you wish you could have handled better). Use the WHAT-HOW-RESULT method to structure your responses and ensure they are clear and impactful.
- Schedule a mock interview session with someone you trust to simulate the pressure of real interviews. Focus on practicing your ability to stay calm and composed with unexpected questions.
2/ Boost your meeting contributions:
- Review the agenda for your next work meeting and prepare 3 key points or insights you can share. This preparation will help you feel more confident and ready to contribute effectively.
- During the meeting, practice active listening and use the "What, So What, Now What" framework to organize your thoughts and responses on the spot.
3/ Navigate difficult conversations:
- Reflect on a recent or upcoming difficult conversation you might have at work. Plan how you will acknowledge emotions, stay neutral, and ask open-ended questions to understand the other person's perspective.
- Role-play the conversation with a trusted colleague or friend, focusing on using the strategies discussed above to think on your feet and propose constructive solutions.