When a crisis hits and tough decisions need to be made true leadership is demonstrated. To be most effective in these situations an Executive needs to focus on communication. 1. Engage the team, especially those most impacted. 2. Provide transparent messaging including insights into why the decision was made and your understanding of the impact. 3. Once delivered proactively engage the team and seek feedback and questions. 4. Answer all questions in an open, honest, and transparent way And always remember two things: 1. The more significant the impact, the more time you need to spend communicating the message and engaging the team 2. When in doubt "over-communicate"

In a crisis, effective coaching means fostering clarity, confidence, and swift decision-making. Start by helping the leader prioritize immediate concerns, focusing on issues that impact people and operations the most. Encourage calm and resilience, reminding them that staying composed sets the tone for the entire team. Guide them to assess risks, gather diverse input, and rely on core values as their compass. Emphasize flexibility, as crises demand real-time adjustments. Offer constructive feedback to reinforce what’s working and gently redirect where needed. Throughout, reinforce that decisive, compassionate leadership builds trust and strengthens the organization’s resilience through any challenge.

We used to call this - a fire drill! As coaches, the first thing we must remember is to stay as detached from the problem as possible. Meaning, we remain cool, calm and collected while the client thinks through possible decision outcomes. This prevents us from going into "solutions mode". That leads me to my second thought - explore the potential outcomes. This will provide the leader with additional clarity and confidence. Third - challenge any assumptions the client may have. This will be a crucial part of your conversation. Last and certainly not least, when coaching your client in future sessions, try to help your client anticipate potential emergencies and develop strategies and action plans. Good luck! ??

Coaching an executive through a crisis requires a careful balance of composure, clarity, and strategic support. A coach's calm presence helps the executive remain focused and resilient, even in high-pressure situations. Encouraging transparent and direct communication is essential, as this fosters trust and keeps the team aligned. Facilitating quick, well-informed decisions empowers the executive to act confidently, using the insights and options provided by the coach to move forward effectively. By offering empathy and tactical advice, a coach becomes an invaluable asset in successfully navigating high-stakes challenges.

I’d first create a calm, confidential space for the executive to express their emotions and concerns freely. Active listening and empathetic questioning would be essential tools to help them gain clarity on the situation and their own thoughts. Once we have a clear understanding of the situation, I would shift the focus to solution-oriented thinking. By asking insightful questions, I would stimulate critical thinking and explore different perspectives. By breaking down the problem into manageable parts, we can explore various solutions together, assessing the potential risks and benefits of each option. Throughout the process, I would maintain a positive and solution-oriented mindset, reminding them of their strengths and capabilities.