Crisis Leadership: Priorities and Plans

As we’ve learned and relearned during the pandemic, crisis is one of the most difficult challenges a leader can face. A crisis can quickly overwhelm even the best-prepared organization, and leaders must be able to think and act quickly to ensure the safety of their people and the stability of their operations.

The priority for any leader during a crisis is the safety of their people. This means ensuring that everyone is accounted for and safe from harm, whether that means evacuating a building or sheltering in place. Leaders must also be prepared to deal with psychological trauma, as many people will be deeply affected by what they have experienced during a crisis.

Once the immediate danger has passed, leaders must then focus on stabilizing operations. This may involve coordinating with other organizations to provide essential services, such as food and water, or setting up temporary housing for those who have been displaced. Leaders must also be prepared to deal with the aftermath of the crisis, such as media scrutiny and public relations.

Crisis leadership is a demanding and difficult challenge, but it is one that all leaders must be prepared to face. By being aware of the dangers and having a plan in place, leaders can help their organizations weather even the most severe crisis.

This plan should detail who will be responsible for what tasks and how the various team members will communicate with one another. It is also crucial to have a designated spokesperson who will be the public face of the organization during the crisis. This person should be someone who is calm and collected under pressure and who can effectively communicate with the media. Finally, it is important to debrief after the crisis has passed to learn from any mistakes that were made and to prevent future crises from occurring.

What’s been your experience with crisis leaders during the pandemic or elsewhere?