Handling crisis moments is the mark of an effective leader, whether through a professional or personal situation. However, this can come with experience rather than something you naturally have. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to handle whatever life throws at you.
So, from coming up with a crisis plan to embracing faith, here are some supportive suggestions.
Stay Emotionally Aware
Mental preparation for an incident at home, work or elsewhere isn’t something that comes easily to everyone. People with experience such as medical staff, police and military personnel hone this skill over time. Yet for most people it isn’t something that ever springs to mind.
However, you can find yourself, or a loved one arrested for assault, murder or drugs violations. Whether innocent or guilty, the only way to have a fighting chance is to keep your emotions in check.
Handling Crisis Moments with a Plan
Okay, so the serious stuff is out of the way. Focusing more on business than personal issues, a crisis could include a job or business loss. In the UK, more businesses closed than opened in 2022, at 345,000 and 337,000, respectively. However, a simple plan can minimize the damage:
- Identify all possible triggers that can end up making a crisis a real threat.
- List all communication channels that could be beneficial during a difficult time.
- Draft pre-determined messages that can help others and provide responses.
Communicate Effectively
Being able to convey information to other people in a way they understand is a critical skill that most people have to learn, and some don’t ever master. This is no more valuable than during a crisis.
Imagine how effective some Wall Street CEOs must have been at relaying the problems during the 2008 crash. Excellent communication has many aspects, but there are some you must focus on through a crisis, such as being transparent, empathetic, and very specific.
Decisiveness when Handling Crisis Moments
Making the right calls and acting fast are also critical factors during any crisis, both in business and in personal life. In business, you can conduct a risk assessment to form a plan to avoid most problems. But life isn’t that easy.
In the US alone, around 2.5 million people are displaced each year because of natural disasters. Therefore, developing skills in handling crisis moments is beneficial for pretty much everyone, and this includes being able to make critical decisions:
- Prioritize the tasks that need to be done immediately for the best outcome.
- Delegate responsibilities to others who can handle them in a safe manner.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your actions during a crisis and adjust as needed.
Support Others Around You
If you can keep a cool head and manage the people around you during a crisis, you have a great chance of prevailing. Suppose you have to announce job cuts or department closures as a manager or CEO.
This can be one of the most stressful times for you and your employees. People depend on employment income to provide for their families, and these kinds of situations can cause immense stress. You can help by listening and encouraging others to seek support.
Handling Crisis Moments with Faith
Everyone has ways of dealing with stress, and faith can be a great source of comfort during life’s worst moments. 75% of Americans identify as Christian, Protestant, and Catholic, but of course, there are many more religions around most people, and they should be embraced:
- Come together as a community, no matter your apparent religious differences.
- Pray if you need to, and be mindful and respectful of the faith of other people.
- Ask religious leaders for help, guidance, and support if they are available.
Reflect and Learn from the Experience
No crisis lasts forever, and some are over surprisingly quickly despite the repercussions. You should expect a challenge in life every now and then, as we all lose people we love, go through marriage problems, and have sticky patches with finances.
But it’s not what happens to you that defines you, but rather what you do to help yourself and the people around you. Taking time to reflect will prepare you for the next crisis that comes in, whether personal or professional.
Summary
Keeping a firm grasp of your emotions is one of the critical keys to handling crisis moments in your personal and professional life. An ability to make decisions calmly and effectively is also a major advantage. However, you must also reflect and learn from any crisis you experience.
