Dominate the competition
You can have processes underway at your company that ensure you’re ready for everyday operations, but sometimes, you’ll still be left unprepared. Crises occur when we’re least expecting them, and often test the leaders whose offices have been impacted. Whether your company is undergoing a financial emergency or responding to an environmental disaster, it’s up to you to demonstrate excellent crisis leadership skills and keep your team afloat.
Dominate the competition
Connect with those who have been most affected
Depending on what type of crisis you’re dealing with, you need to ensure the safety of your employees. If it’s a crisis that’s jeopardized the physical safety of your team, make sure the building has been evacuated and that everyone gets to a safe meeting space nearby. If you’ve been hit by a crisis that impacts the emotional or mental well-being of your staff – say there’s been a natural disaster that’s affected a local neighborhood and you know some of your employees have homes there – you want to pull those people aside and speak to them directly before addressing the rest of the team. What do they need? Find out how you can help them to find clarity and express their emotions.
Show empathy through action
Your first reaction to a crisis might be to cry or express your frustration. That’s completely normal, and you’re allowed to take a moment to collect yourself. But know that the best way to show that you care is not through tears or angry words – it’s by asking for action. Leadership crisis management is an art because it can be challenging to take action after an emergency situation. What can you do now to help your staff or the greater issue at large? For instance, Tony Robbins was hosting an event when the September 11th terrorist attack occurred in 2001. He was obviously upset and confused by what had happened, and he reached out to the audience to discuss their concerns and fears, too. After he checked in to see how everyone was doing emotionally, he made a tangible effort to help by setting up a blood drive at the event. The blood donations were able to help those injured in the 9/11 attacks, meaning he was able to find a way to really help those experiencing crises alongside his audience. How can you do this when faced with disaster?
