Here's how you can navigate through a crisis with essential leadership skills.

First of all show show as less stress as possible to others which is often contagious and may affect them. While a crisis triggers human feelings of anxiety and panic, reacting and overreacting without keeping the big picture in mind does not help. As a leader it is essential to remain a role model. Good things come to an end. So do bad things. Therefore, you should stay focused on "what's next", i.e. business goals and client needs. Its helps put (bad) things in perspective. Also, any way to get out of a crisis requires ability to deal with change. And many crisis are caused or amplified by change. Being agile and open-minded allows you to have a 360° view on how to accept and even leverage change as part of the solution to a crisis.

In a crisis, emotions can run high, and panic can quickly set in. A calm leader serves as an anchor for the team, providing reassurance simply through their demeanor. Staying calm helps you to think more clearly and make more rational decisions. This calmness also tends to permeate throughout the team, reducing stress and enabling better performance under pressure.

Parece mentira, pero lo primero que hay que hacer ante una crisis, es mantener la calma. Solo así, serás capaz de tomar las decisiones oportunas en aras de que la misma no escale. "En tiempos de desesperanza, no hay que hacer mudanzas". Mantente firme e implementa las recomendaciones sugeridas en el Manual de Crisis, los Protocolos de los Planes de Contingencia y especialmente, atiende las indicaciones del Comité de Crisis.

During a crisis, quick and firm decision-making is crucial. With limited time to act, hesitancy can exacerbate the situation. It’s important, however, to balance speed with thoughtfulness—making informed decisions based on the best available information. Leaders must not only make decisions decisively but also be prepared to stand by them and manage the consequences.

Clear Communication is helpful in all the situations, and it becomes extremely critical in a crisis situation. In my experience, if you are in crisis situation - take a pause, reflect on the situation - identify key stakeholders to handle the situation - have clear and transparent communication with the stakeholders on the causes and potential solutions to handle the crisis situation In this process, clear communication helps you build establish trust and credibility with stakeholders both internal and external. Do not forget that people are more likely to trust and support the people/organizations that are open and forthcoming about the situations.

Clear communication is paramount in a crisis. Information should be conveyed honestly and transparently to avoid misunderstandings and rumors that can lead to additional chaos. Keep the team informed about what’s happening, what’s expected of them, and any changes in plans. Regular updates can help to maintain a sense of control and reassure the team that the situation is being managed.

Empowering your team involves delegating authority and trusting team members to carry out tasks. This can be particularly effective in a crisis when quick actions are needed across various fronts. By empowering your team, you also help them to develop and strengthen their own decision-making skills, which can be crucial in high-pressure situations.

Crises are dynamic situations that can evolve unpredictably. A key leadership skill is the ability to learn from unfolding events and adapt strategies accordingly. This might involve changing tactics based on new information, recognizing what is not working, or incorporating feedback from team members on the ground.

In challenging times, the behavior of a leader is closely observed by the team. Leading by example means showing resilience, staying committed to the task at hand, and upholding the values you expect others to follow. This can inspire and motivate your team to mirror these qualities. If you expect your team to stay overtime to manage a crisis, do the same. If you need them to communicate more openly, make sure you’re doing that yourself.