What are the best strategies to maintain calm and order during a crisis?

In my experience, the first step in a crisis is to just get present to what is actually going on in the moment. Take a deep breath and literally count to 30, then start. Next gather the facts (not the emotions) and sort them into two buckets: 1) Things within your control and 2) Things outside your control. Then start the work of assessing where you are, where you need to get to, and the gap. Build a plan around closing that gap focusing on what you can control and what you need to get control of to be successful. Only then should you start to action. It's always best to follow a Ready-Aim-Fire process rather than moving straight to action and just firing aimlessly in a fashion that could make matters worse than they already are.

Be disciplined. Always respond, never react. Be transparent about the scope of the problem. Honesty with your customers partners and employees will build stronger relationships on the other end of the crisis; making your business stronger.

I follow Viktor Frankel’s sound advice: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” To create the space breathe deeply 10 times

One of the first things one should do, or i do, is to get the relevant stakeholders together and start summarising down on a paper or a whiteboard a. what we know for a fact b. what we dont know but may be happening c. what we know is not a fact Then encourage all to share their thoughts and suggestions on the possible options (no right or wrong here) that we could do and why including expected outcomes. From here emerges a Plan A, Plan B and rest of the good ideas that remain on the whiteboard. Start assigning the actions to individuals, agree on when and how to reconvene and let them off... REPEAT!

In my experience, crisis demands calmness, first and foremost. Step one is to “stop the bleeding”. Step two is to take a deep breath and calmly assess the situation. I strongly feel this step is absolutely essential. Without taking a calm and collected view of the situation, and calm assessment of the options, with appropriate level of risk/reward analysis, we risk taking action that is driven by emotion, which may feel “right in the moment”, but which may be catastrophic in its own right in the longer term.

Ok, this one is vital. Effective communication is often misconceived as a 50/50 split in responsibility, but it's more appropriately a 200% effort. Let's break it down: My responsibility is to ensure clarity in conveying information, expectations, and intentions, with a full 100% commitment. Similarly, your role involves an equal 100% commitment to thoroughly express your understanding and interpretation of the communicated message. This approach is crucial to prevent miscommunication and avoidable chaos in crisis where time is limited for correcting any errors. By adopting a 100/100 model of communication, you can significantly reduce misunderstandings and their resulting complications while increasing precision and effectiveness.

Communication can make or break an organization during a crisis. We have all seen breakdowns in crisis situations where key spokespeople are not prepared, and nearly detached from reality. Many organizations have incident management plans but very little on communications. Communications should get as much preparation ahead of time as incident management. Communication internally must be consistent with what is being said externally. Mixed messages can cause major issues, especially when employees are also responsible as spokespeople to clients. Do not communicate unconfirmed or irrelevant information as facts. It's completely acceptable to acknowledge an issue’s existence and an investigation for resolution.

Amazingly, many companies do not think about communications – both internally and externally – until it is a necessity. A crisis occurs, a reaction follows, and, in many cases, they do not necessarily put the best foot forward. Even small companies can have an effective communications strategy that enables them to articulate company news efficiently. You may have a website that acts as the key repository of “everything”, and all news information gets broadcast to Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube. Timing and sequencing of topics are critical to having your audience “stay with you”.

Maintain calm and order during a crisis by prioritizing effective communication. Provide clear information about the situation, steps being taken, and expectations. Encourage an open dialogue, address concerns, and offer support. Transparent communication fosters trust, keeps everyone informed, and contributes to a more controlled and resilient response to the crisis.

It is critical to provide clear and concise messaging at all times and communicate with all stakeholders - both internal and external. Enable a two-way flow of information. Personally, I like to deliver never more than 3 key points at any one time, as messages get diluted and priority is lost.

When a crisis hits, look to your team first to figure out how to retain your talent. Some of them might be feeling (understandably) shaky, but you need them, now more than ever, to be present, centered and excellent at their jobs. Be sure to hold frequent team meetings to remind them of the company’s core values and it’s “raison d’être;” in other words, remind them why we’re all working so hard to right the ship. Be sure to put in place a retention bonus plan, with clear KPIs, so they have a financial reason for working those late hours - these days, there are tons of places they can easily jump to that are holding out similar financial carrots. Be sure to report successes along the way, so they feel their work is having an impact.

One thing I've found helpful in making decisions swiftly in a crisis is to use the OODA loop. OODA is a decision-making process that stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act and was originally developed to address the need to make quick, effective decisions in aerial dogfighting. Applying that loop as a central principle during an incident can be extremely effective for the type of rapid, iterative decision-making needed to navigate in and through critical events.

My humble two cents from my two decades in the Corps of Engineers.. Decision making is not an art but a science, particularly a statistical science where 'out of control' situations can be planned for in advance. I for one have experienced this first hand while planning operations in the combat zone where the planning for the mission used to be more exhausting than the actual mission! I believe that if any mission (or project) is planned keeping all possible criticalities in mind, we can cater for most of the crisis which may occur. Although this doesn't mean that every redundancy can be catered to(due to budget constraints), but most of the contingencies would be known & rehearsed.

Entscheidungen und Schnellschüsse passen nicht zusammen: 1. Analyse: Analysiere die Krise zügig, um Auswirkungen zu verstehen. 2. Priorisieren: Setze kurzfristige Ma?nahmen zur Funktionsf?higkeit und Liquidit?t. 3. Kommunikation:Kommuniziere transparent. 4. Flexibilit?t: Passe Gesch?ftsmodelle an und entwickle neue Strategien. 5. Kostenmanagement: Manage Kosten effizient. 6. Teamführung: Leite das Team empathisch und f?rdere Zusammenarbeit. 7. Risikowissen: Evaluiere Risiken und Chancen. 8. Kundenfokus: Behalte den Fokus auf Kundenbedürfnisse für langfristige Loyalit?t. 9. Compliance: Beachte gesetzliche Vorschriften, um rechtliche Risiken zu minimieren. 10. Lernen: Nutze die Krise als Chance zum Lernen.

Don't be afraid to make a decision. You can only make decisions with the information at hand. Don't be afraid to make a mistake or a suboptimal decision. No decision can be worse (your team could lose confidence).

If you can maintain your leadership style, providing the team respond to that style in normal times, a crisis leadership style should be no different. You may need to think quicker but it doesn’t mean you start to dictate and order. Calm, empathetic while decisive leadership is what turns a crisis into a challenge to overcome rather than a problem to be scared of. In any leadership situation, crisis, opportunity, or BAU, trust, honesty and integrity will get the best out of you and the people around you. If someone is struggling help them, if someone thriving empower them, and if someone is confused provide clarity. One last thing, quick thinking doesn’t mean quick decision making. Take the time needed to get it right.

Maintaining calm and order during a crisis hinges on an executive's ability to project stability and provide clear direction. Adapting to changes requires a composed demeanor, which in itself can be a powerful signal to the team that despite the tumult, there is a steady hand at the helm. Leaders should communicate frequently, providing updates that are both honest and hopeful, to reinforce a sense of shared purpose. It's also important to embrace a mindset of continuous learning, viewing each challenge as a chance to refine strategies and enhance organizational resilience. By fostering an environment where feedback is acted upon, leaders not only improve crisis response but also reinforce a culture of trust and proactive engagement.

Adaptability to change is more of a mind set rather than a process . Change is one-thing that is constant as everyone is aware .As long as the objective is clear and the motivation to reach the objective is high and strong, change management is addressable .

Adapting to changes during a crisis is a crucial component of surviving and thriving, during challenging times. Let us delve into some essential traits which shall enable us to emerge stronger on the other side of a crisis. Disruption can act as a catalyst for growth. Encouraging a culture that values creativity and innovation can lead to the development of novel strategies to address challenges. During a crisis, collaboration becomes crucial. Working together, can enhance collective resilience. Leaders need to make timely and informed decisions during a crisis. Effective decision-making involves considering various perspectives, analyzing available data, and being open to feedback. Keep calm, stay hydrated and carry on.

Based on my experience, maintaining calm and order during a crisis is crucial for effective leadership and crisis management. Adapting to changes is a critical aspect of this process. Here are some key strategies to adapt to changes during a crisis: Establish a flexible and adaptable plan Monitor the situation closely Gather and analyze information Be prepared to pivot and adjust Communicate changes clearly and transparently Learn from feedback and experience: Embrace a growth mindset Foster a culture of adaptability Continuously evaluate and refine Maintain open communication By adapting to changes with agility and resilience, you can effectively navigate crisis challenges and emerge more robust and prepared to handle future disruptions.

Some valuable tools we used at the beginning of the war in Ukraine were emergency plans, daily(weekly) all staff members to quickly update information, and backup teams to support the key team during the crisis. Manuals may seem like a redundant bureaucracy at times of normality, but they are the source of stability in times of crisis. Knowing that somebody else can back you up is also important to go through unpredictability. For that, you also want to bring diversity to the team to make sure that you are aware of something that is not a typical requirement in decision-making.

The art of maintaining calm amidst crisis requires confidence, integrity and courage to put people first. Drawing from my experience during 9/11, the key is staying present and connecting to personal values, regardless of organizational hierarchy, or instructions ("Stay on the desk"). In the face of chaos, the ability to take decisive action and speak up for the greater good transcends rank. You must be guided by an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all. Supporting your team in a crisis requires the ability to anchor to personal integrity in the face of uncertainty, irrelevant protocols and conflicting signals... to always do the right thing... especially when it is hard or perhaps even, unimaginable.

This is when your trust in the team around you is key. If you have surrounded yourself with smart, hard-working, self-motivated, like-minded, people with integrity, that team will shine in this moment. Let them do them. Don't micromanage or hover, rather support and encourage and remind them that they are here for a moment such as this. Certainly provide guidance and direction, but you trust your team with your most valuable assets (customers, brand, etc.) in the good days, and you must in days of crisis as well. That trust will mean the world to them and will equip them to take ownership and personal responsibility for their portion of the management plan.

In my experience, supporting a team effectively, especially during challenges, involves a blend of open communication, empathy, and providing necessary resources. I ensure my team feels comfortable sharing thoughts and concerns, which helps in addressing issues promptly. Empathetic leadership, acknowledging their stress and well-being, has been key in boosting morale. Recognizing and appreciating efforts is crucial for motivation and building loyalty. Flexibility in management style and expectations, coupled with constructive feedback, aids in team growth. Promoting resilience, work-life balance, and leading with confidence and positivity are also integral to inspiring and motivating the team.

Maintain calm during a crisis by prioritizing team support. Clearly communicate the situation, provide reassurance, and encourage open dialogue. Empower your team with the information they need. Foster a sense of unity, emphasizing that everyone is in it together. Delegate responsibilities strategically and ensure each team member feels valued. By offering unwavering support, you not only enhance team resilience but also contribute to maintaining order and a focused response during challenging times.

In my experience, as an executive, maintaining calm and order during a crisis requires a combination of strategic leadership and effective communication. Establishing a crisis response team with clear roles and responsibilities ensures a coordinated effort. Transparency, regular updates, and empathy in communication foster trust, while having well-defined contingency plans, scenario simulations, and learning from past crises contribute to a resilient and adaptive organizational response.

Take sometime alone if the matter is not catastrophic. We are humans not machines. Even if it is 10-15 min. Everyone has exposure and inherent expertise. 1. Gather as much as you can of facts. 2. Quick assessment based on facts you have at the time 3. Get assistance from subject matter experts 4. Devise a recovery plan 5. Assign tasks with clear deliverables 6. Keep communication channels open 7.Monitor and adjust 8. After reaching a sustainable or damage control stage. Learn from the experience

Throughout the last few years, I have needed to reflect on the lessons and insights gained from crisis, which is crucial in maintaining calm and order and ensuring effective leadership. I would focus on the following to effectively learn from crisis: Create a dedicated time for reflection Gather info & feedback Identify the causes & contributing factors Assess performance & that of your team Recognise successes and failures Identify best practice and areas for improvement Develop a plan for implementation Share learnings with others By following these strategies, you can effectively learn from a crisis, enhance leadership skills, and prepare for future challenges. I feel each crisis presents an opportunity for growth and improvement.

If a business organisation truly wants to learn from a crisis, truly discover what went wrong, then it must NOT punish those involved. Too many times I have seen organisations demote or fire staff that may have contributed to the crisis. If people think they will be punished, they will not collaborate in a things gone wrong analysis and the organisation will not get to the root cause it is seeking. If one of your team was the cause of a major crisis, then maybe your leadership was part of the problem too. Any problem, any crisis, is something to learn from collectively, and then work out how to avoid a repeat, not a reason to seek retribution.

From the discovery of a crisis through to its recovery there are lessons here that can be leveraged by all team members involved. The problem I have had in the past is I have found not all lessons are interpreted equally. I address this by conducting a thorough analysis of crisis from start to finish and then schedule a session with the team so we can review, discuss and learn together. As a leader, it's not necessarily my interpretation of the crisis and solution that carries forward. A clear understanding of how individuals or teams have been impacted can help mould the write lessons.

Don't try to be the hero. We made it through COVID through the efforts of every employee at Clinipace. A strong culture is a huge asset during a crisis. Focus on culture every day as it can be the difference between success and failure.

Effective crisis management generally comprises four key steps: STOP-THINK-EVALUATE-PROCEED 1. STOP: Take a moment to relax, breathe, and regain composure. 2. THINK: Reflect on when, why, and how the crisis occurred, considering alternative scenarios to mitigate potential outcomes. 3. EVALUATE: Identify the most suitable scenario based on current circumstances, aiming to minimize losses. 4. PROCEED: Implement the chosen strategy confidently and efficiently.

Stay calm, be approachable, authentic. Stay positive, be attentive to your people and lower the stress levels. Ensure there is a pressure relief valve. If you aren’t certain as the executive in charge, get help, by way of advice, by reaching out to people that have been there, but potentially also to authorities. (Ref. Webasto - first case of Covid in Germany in Jan 2020) One more: be pro-active… keep your crisis management manual up to date, certainly where it relates to be a manufacturing company across many factories and countries.

One thing that is super helpful is to remember to breath! You need to get oxygen back to your brain in order to think clearly. I know it sounds silly...but taking a deep breath truly helps.

Whatever you do, don't tell people to 'be calm'. Never in the history of telling someone to 'be calm' has it ever helped them to be calm. Instead, focus on being clear, consistent, and action focused. Be the person that brings order and confidence to the situation and calm will follow. One more tip to help and it may seem simple, but sometimes all you need to do to get started on the right track is to ask yourself the question "What would {insert your favorite leader here} do?"... and then do that.