Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Key Takeaways Lead from what’s real, not what you wish were true.
Stay emotionally present without being led by emotion.
Set the emotional tone your team will follow.
Use daily rituals to stay steady under pressure.
Model the behavior you want others to follow.
When OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced in March 2025 that the company’s COO would take on an expanded global role, the news signaled more than just an internal reshuffle. With AI adoption accelerating and public scrutiny mounting, leadership decisions at OpenAI now ripple across industries. In moments such as these, how a leader reacts — and just as importantly, how they don’t — becomes a defining factor.
But the strongest leaders take a different approach. They don’t rush to spin a story, control the narrative or make decisions just to be seen doing something. They stay focused on what’s happening now, keeping both what happened yesterday and what could happen tomorrow in context but at arm’s length. They think clearly, act deliberately and stay grounded. That’s the heart of neutral thinking.
Neutral thinking isn’t about staying quiet or avoiding emotion. It’s about stepping back just enough to see clearly and reserve the need to jump to conclusions too quickly. When the stakes are high, clarity is often the most valuable thing a leader can bring. Practicing neutral thinking doesn’t require a total shift in leadership style. It comes down to a few deliberate behaviors that help you stay grounded when it matters most.
Related: As a Leader, You Set the Tone — Here’s Why Staying Calm Builds a Stronger Business
... continue reading