Disruption is not about what happens to you, but how you respond to it.” Harvard Business School Professor Clayton Christensen
If the purpose of having goals is to change behaviour in pursuit of an agreed outcome; then the purpose of crisis is to transform at speed in a situation not of your making.
As the world witnessed the devastation in California, where uncertainty looms, it’s good to reflect on what truly matters. Thoughts and prayers go out to those affected, but the situation prompts broader reflection on leadership in crisis. Crisis compels all of us to reconsider our priorities. What was once considered essential—laptops, phones, treasured possessions—becomes irrelevant when survival takes precedence. People may find that only the most important things remain – family, community, and faith. In these moments, what seemed indispensable often pales in comparison to the fundamental need for safety.
Amid the chaos, stories emerge of those who rise to the occasion—offering help, support, and kindness. Conversely, there are those who exploit the situation, looting or causing harm. These contrasting behaviours reveal a crucial truth: in times of crisis, a person’s true nature comes to light. Leadership in crisis demands a shift from routine responses to swift, deliberate action.
In everyday situations, leaders often rely on established ways of working, beliefs and past experiences. However, crises require leaders to be fully present, making choices in real-time that can determine the course of events. A leader’s ability to adapt quickly, innovate, and act decisively is critical. Drawing from experience in leading teams in my Fortune 500 career, I’ve seen how it challenges even the most seasoned leaders. Traditional strategies often give way to new, creative solutions. The need for flexibility and fast decision-making overrides the comfort of following the rulebook. In these high-pressure moments, what worked before may no longer be effective, and leaders must adjust accordingly.
The true test of leadership during a crisis is how a leader responds. Are they the one who retreats and avoids responsibility? Do they accept the situation with resignation, offering no solutions? Do they criticize others without providing direction? Or do they take initiative, step up, and find a way forward? Crisis leadership can catalyse personal transformation, pushing leaders to discover new strengths and reevaluate their approach.
Five Leadership Tips for Navigating Crisis:
- Lead with Purpose: In times of uncertainty, leaders must maintain a clear sense of purpose. This clarity helps teams stay focused and aligned on their goals, despite the challenges, and it creates a psychological safety to allow others to speak up.
- Adapt and Innovate: Crises demand flexibility. Leaders must be prepared to discard old strategies and implement new approaches in response to rapidly changing circumstances. Innovation is key to overcoming obstacles.
- Take Swift Action: Effective leaders make decisions quickly, balancing urgency with clarity, and take responsibility for guiding their teams through immediate challenges. Delays can result in lost momentum, leaving teams feeling uncertain and disempowered.
- Practice Self-Leadership: Balance Empathy with Emotional Self-Regulation: A leader’s ability to manage their own emotions is just as important as their ability to lead others. When leaders can empathize with their team members without being overwhelmed, they create a stable, supportive environment that fosters trust and resilience. This balance enables leaders to guide their teams through the toughest of times.
- Create a Roadmap for Recovery: Once the immediate crisis passes, leaders must guide their teams through reflection and recovery. A clear, structured roadmap for the future helps ensure that the lessons learned are applied effectively, enabling recovery and growth.
Crisis reveals a leader’s true character and tests their ability to inspire others through adversity. By embracing purpose, adaptability, and empathy, leaders can guide their teams through turbulent times and emerge stronger and more unified.
