Leadership In Times of Crisis, Episode #7

Audio Posts

Nobody really enjoys a crisis situation. But good leadership in times of crisis is what enables teams to work together effectively and efficiently to deal with the crisis wisely and well. On this episode of 180 Mentoring, I’m addressing the issue of leadership in times of crisis because I’ve been asked to speak to the issue. And it’s something I’m no stranger to. I thought it would be helpful to start out with a story from my past about a jet that was on fire, and two men who were right in the thick of the action. Their responses were very, very different – and one of them demonstrates what good leaders do in times of crisis. You’re going to enjoy this great example.

Do you a plan for how you will implement your leadership in times of crisis?

We know crisis times are coming. It’s an inevitability we can’t avoid. So doesn’t it make sense to put together a crisis action plan that you and your team are well versed in? That way, when the crisis does arrive, everyone knows what they are to do to keep things running and deal with the crisis situation at the same time. On this episode, I’m going to explain how this kind of planning works and why it’s a vital aspect of what good leaders do in times of crisis.

Leadership in times of crisis requires responsible, quick decisions.

When things are moving fast because a difficult or emergency situation has arisen, you don’t always have time to take things to a committee or discuss them with your team. Great leaders have to be prepared to make decisions and enact them with skill during a crisis situation. How do you do that? I’ve got some tips for you on this episode that should help you think through the things that go into simple, quick decisions that actually help move things forward during a crisis situation. These are short, actionable tips so be sure you listen.

The last thing your team needs during a crisis situation is a complex protocol.

Leadership in times of crisis is hard enough without the minutia of complex protocols encumbering the team. That’s why you have to learn how to keep things simple. Clear, short-term goals are what move things forward during a crisis. They enable your team to take action quickly and effectively – with confidence – and then move on to the next thing. So from your leadership seat, you need to be thinking in terms of simplicity, relaxed standards, and clear communication in bite-sized chunks. You can hear how I envision this happening on this episode of 180 Mentoring.

Crisis situations are a time for your team and your leadership to grow.

One of the facts of life and leadership that we must come to terms with is that the kind of growth we really need seldom happens during the good times. It’s crisis that brings growth, simply because it demands more of us than we have developed up to that point. On this episode, I’m going to give you a perspective about leadership in times of crisis that will enable you to lead your team well, keep a cool head, and get through the crisis in a way that facilitates growth in your team. It’s worth the 17 minutes it will take you to listen – and could make your next crisis situation one that you handle with greater poise and effectiveness.

Outline of This Episode

  • [1:10] The challenges that we face applying good leadership in times of crisis.
  • [2:17] A crisis situation I faced in the 80s – a jet was on fire!
  • [7:58] The key things you need to keep in mind during times of crisis.
  • [8:24] Develop a plan to shift from normal operations to crisis leadership.
  • [9:32] You need to be able to make decisions responsibly and quickly.
  • [10:01] Simple, short-term goals – simplicity – relaxed standards.
  • [11:09] Clear and consistent communication.
  • [11:30] Take care of yourself and make sure you are near the action.
  • [12:50] Your role in the leadership of your team during the crisis situation.
  • [15:10] Why crisis situations are a time for your team and your leadership to grow.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect With Terry at 180 Mentoring

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