5 Leadership Lessons Learned in a Crisis
What leadership lessons did hurricane Irma teach you?
Have you ever unexpectedly found yourself in a crisis when you were not prepared? Or a time when you expected someone else to be in charge and instead found out you were responsible?
Well, last year I found myself in that exact situation. Now I know you are wondering, what happen? Well, there was this little storm called hurricane Irma…
Hurricane Irma was a catastrophic storm. It caused devastating damage to the Caribbean and Florida. The Category 5 hurricane reached its peak with winds recorded at 185 mph making it the strongest hurricane of our time. As a Category 5 hurricane, Irma caused catastrophic damage in Barbuda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Anguilla, and the Virgin Islands.
When the storm reached the Florida Keys, Irma was a Category 4 with 130 mph winds. The predicated track of the storm would bring Irma through the center of Florida and cover the entire state. In preparation for Irma, my site was activated as shelter for evacuees.
As a shelter, our primary function was to provide a clean and safe facility
for evacuees.
According to protocol, once the shelter is activated it is to be staffed and operated by the Red Cross. However, due to Hurricane Harvey’s impact on Texas and the size of Irma, the Red Cross was not available to run the shelter.
When I arrived at our site to begin shelter preparations, I was greeted by 30 evacuees and several volunteers. When I asked if the Red Cross had arrived the answer was a disappointing no! After waiting two hours, I was informed the Red Cross would not be available.
Well you know what happen next. Everyone looked at me to lead them! As the site leader, I was expected to run the shelter. Fortunately, a Red Cross “shelter box” had been dropped off. As I stood there looking at the box, volunteers and evacuees, I had a difficult choice to make.
What was the choice? Option A – I could step up and lead or Option B – I could ring my hands and complain.
Well, you know which option I chose. Option A of course. Why? Because leaders lead! I also understood I would be wasting precious time wringing my hands and complaining because I would still be in charge!
So, I broke the seal on the box and we officially opened as a shelter. Over the next 96 hours, we welcomed, sheltered, feed, and cared for evacuees.
Leading a shelter was quite a challenge, especially once we lost power. Fortunately the backup generators provided emergency lighting!
Once the storm passed, we transitioned to a long-term shelter, and the Red Cross arrived! When we finally shut down shelter operations, we had hosted more than 1,200 evacuees, 12 security officers, six EMS, three custodians, six food service personnel, and countless volunteers.
As I reflected on the shelter experience, I realized Hurricane Irma had been a situation where I modeled my leadership philosophy. What is my leadership philosophy? To lead by example! One of my favorite quotes is:
Leaders lead by example, whether one intends to or not.” - Author Unknown
Now, when you’re facing your first crisis as a leader, what can you do to increase your chances of success? The following are five leadership lessons I learned from Hurricane Irma:
- Over communicate
- Manage expectations
- Create win-win solutions
- Walk slowly and take time to encourage and thank people
- Take care of yourself and your team
Always remember you’re the leader and everyone is watching you!
As a leader, it’s not a matter of “if” you will face a crisis but “when.” The question is how will you respond?
During Hurricane Irma, I was responsible for the safety of everyone who came to the shelter. They were all looking to me to reassure them and keep them safe. I felt as if they were trusting me with their lives.
I am pleased to say our team rose to the occasion! As the evacuees left, they thanked us for our care. While Hurricane Irma left a path of destruction, she also taught me several leadership lessons.
What leadership lessons did hurricane Irma teach you?
Your friend,
Kim
Dr. Kim Moore is a Leadership Guide, and certified coach, speaker and trainer with The John Maxwell Team. She equips aspiring leaders to expand their influence, guides emerging leaders to lead with confidence, and coaches accomplished leaders to achieve significance. Contact Kim by phone: (813) 644-9654, email: [email protected] or through her website: kimdmoore.com.