How to handle a crisis situation as a leader
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is a well-known quote by Joseph Kennedy, the father of former US President John F. Kennedy.
While it’s a nice sentiment, it only represents the beginning of a leader’s journey. However, by utilising the three A’s involved in effective transformation, we can turn adversity into opportunity. This approach enables us to navigate crises successfully and perform to the best of our abilities given the circumstances.
The three A’s stand for Awareness, Acceptance, and Action. As the wise saying goes, Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance (the 5 P’s principle). Preparation is covered by gaining Awareness and Acceptance and then, and only then, we spring into Action.
There are multiple steps to gain awareness of what we need to do as leaders.
Don’t treat it as a crisis with the need for major change. Treat it as a situation that requires a transformation of the way we need to do things. It is important to remember that what is different now may offer different opportunities now and into the future.
Fundamentally, we need to be aware of our own attitudes and belief systems before we unleash ourselves on others. Often, it is not what we do but how we do it that has the major impact on those we want to help navigate the ‘tough times’.
So what is the first step to success?
See and communicate the circumstances as challenging rather than as a major problem or crisis.
As Epictetus the wise philosopher knew, “Life is not about happenings, but what we tell ourselves about those happenings”. It is vitally important that as Leaders we consider the impact of the way we go about ourselves.
This includes the way we deliver messages to others in our organisation. We need to encourage staff to show initiative, develop a resilient approach and do the very best they can to not be freaked out and feel debilitated by anxiety and concern.
In other words, ensure you become an ‘energy injector’ not an ‘energy vampire’ when you interact with others.
An ideal team and organisational culture should prioritise continuous transformation as they progress and evolve. Such cultures tend to achieve sustainable outcomes and success compared to those that operate on a “boom and bust” approach. This often entails significant changes, re-engineering, or restructuring cycles.
Step Two
Focus your time and energy on strategies, techniques and processes.
To get tasks done effectively, organisations need to create a setting where members can interact with each other in a humanistic, encouraging, and affiliative way. Technology provides some great solutions to enable us to collaborate even when we are isolated in different areas.
It is important to have effective communication and teamwork to improve human interactions and transactions. Regular communication in times of crisis is critical. Even though this may seem a ‘common sense’ approach it is taking it into ‘common practice’ that is critically important.
Step Three
Before introducing changes to the way you work, such as new strategies, objectives, or transformations, it is important to set the context. This means explaining the reasons behind the changes you are proposing so that your team members can fully understand what is going on and what it will mean for them in the future.
Providing context can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can work together more effectively towards achieving your business goals.
Step Four
Ensure you look after yourself as you navigate the weeks and months ahead.
This should include:
Peers or mentors to debrief with and share information and support for what is happening – what is working? What isn’t are the hurdles and derailers? How might these be navigated and turned into solutions?
Share decision-making and information sharing with others and encourage that to be spread throughout the organisation. It is important to empower others in this way but to also share the decision-making and challenge-solving as you navigate your way forward.
Maintain energy and vitality by exercising regularly, eating well, alcohol in moderation and keeping up your social interactions.
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