steady hand on the tiller

noun2

1. •
   Reliable, composed control (of an organization or situation).

   • "My hero," McCain declared, is Theodore Roosevelt, who said, "Walk softly, and carry a big stick." . . . McCain was left with this: "When times are tough, we need a steady hand on the tiller." — 2008
2. •
   A person exhibiting such control.

   • For six years Prime Minister Stephen Harper has promoted himself as a “steady hand on the tiller” to steer the nation through turbulent economic waters. — 2014