Here's how you can navigate leading a team through a crisis in your social impact career.

1 Assess Quickly

In crisis management, time is of the essence. Your first step is to quickly assess the situation to understand its scope and potential impact on your organization and its stakeholders. Gather as much information as possible from reliable sources and evaluate the facts without jumping to conclusions. This rapid assessment will form the foundation of your crisis response plan and help you communicate clearly with your team about the next steps.

2 Stay Calm

It's crucial to remain calm and composed. Your team will look to you for stability, so how you react can set the tone for the entire group. Take deep breaths, focus on the facts, and maintain a level head. This will help you make rational decisions and demonstrate to your team that, despite the crisis, you are in control and capable of leading them through it.

3 Communicate Openly

Open communication is the lifeline of crisis management. Be transparent with your team about what is known, what is not known, and what steps are being taken to address the situation. This openness fosters trust and can prevent misinformation from spreading. Ensure that there are clear channels for communication where team members can ask questions and express concerns.

4 Empower Others

Empower your team members by involving them in the crisis resolution process. By delegating tasks and encouraging input, you not only utilize the diverse skills within your team but also promote a sense of collective responsibility. This approach can lead to innovative solutions and strengthen the team's cohesion during challenging times.

5 Take Action

Once you have a plan, it's time to take decisive action. Implement the steps you've outlined and adjust as necessary, being flexible to the changing dynamics of the crisis. Quick and confident action shows your team and stakeholders that you are working proactively to mitigate the crisis and its effects on your social impact goals.

6 Reflect & Learn

After navigating through the crisis, take time to reflect on what happened and what was learned. This is an opportunity for growth, both for you as a leader and for your team. Discuss what worked well and what could be improved for future crisis management. This reflective practice not only prepares you for future challenges but also reinforces the resilience and adaptability of your team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?