Client emergencies are inevitable, but they shouldn’t derail long-term priorities. As Richard Mulholland emphasizes in Legacide, focus on playing your best next game, not just fixing the immediate one. Start by triaging emergencies: solve critical issues, delegate effectively, and communicate transparently with your team and clients. Then, carve out time to reflect on root causes to prevent recurrence. It’s about balancing reactive problem-solving with proactive strategy—ensuring today’s crisis doesn’t steal tomorrow’s growth. Emergencies test agility, but they’re also an opportunity to build trust by delivering calm, measured solutions under pressure.

Unexpected client emergencies demand swift action. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. Communicate clearly with clients, setting expectations and managing their concerns. Delegate non-critical tasks, if possible, to free up time. Use time management techniques like time blocking to allocate specific time slots for urgent tasks. Stay calm and focused, and remember, effective time management can help you navigate these challenges successfully.

In times of client emergencies, effective time management becomes a cornerstone of sales success. Leaders must embrace agile strategies that prioritize urgent client needs while maintaining a focus on long-term goals. By fostering a culture of responsiveness and adaptability, organizations can not only navigate immediate challenges but also position themselves for sustainable growth. Empowering teams with intelligent solutions and innovative mentorship will enable them to excel in high-pressure situations, transforming potential disruptions into opportunities for enhanced operational performance and client loyalty. Lead with purpose and vision, and watch your organization thrive amidst adversity.

One thing I found helpful in a client’s unexpected emergency is active listening. Once you get through the emotions repeat what they said so they can be reassured you have heard their concern. From there discuss a plan of action, follow through, and follow up