Two things come to mind that I utilize every time I lead and support others during a large scale event or incident. One is constantly re-iterate the mission. WHY, or more importantly WHO are we here for? This essential element is often forgotten in the chaos of the situation and the minutiae of the thousands of decisions that must be made. This creates a human-based connection to the mission rather than managing facts and data. This also removes the ego as this is about the MISSION, not ourselves. The second is asking others to ask themselves: what is the intent of what we’re doing? What does ‘right look like?’ This allows for autonomy (in and of itself a motivator) while moving towards meeting the WHY/WHO.

Managing emergencies at large events requires a high level of coordination, quick thinking, and resilience. I prefer clear briefings and open communication with trust over my team skills and judgements. I always encourage my team to act decisively once needed. Mutual trust among team members is key to keep motivating members to support each other. At the culmination of each such event debriefing is the most essential part to learn from challenges faced and reinforcing the value of contributions made by each member.

To keep your team motivated during emergencies at large events, lead by example with calmness and positivity. Maintain clear communication, ensuring everyone knows their role. Recognize efforts in real-time to boost morale. Break tasks into manageable steps to prevent overwhelm. Offer emotional and logistical support, and after the event, conduct a debrief to highlight successes and areas for improvement. This builds confidence and encourages growth.