PAPER making! g FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL Volume 6, Number 1, 2020
MAINTAINING PERSPECTIVE IN A CRISIS During a crisis, leaders are often focused on the emotional turmoil of their direct reports and others in the organization, but it’s equally important for leaders to take care of themselves. “A crisis can exert a high impact on human needs, emotions, and behaviours,” says Klann. “We may not be conscious of this, but our behaviours send messages to others about our own underlying needs and emotions.” Whatever leadership role you play, you need to be aware of your own emotional turmoil, its effect on your behaviour, and its influence on your leadership abilities. Take these actions to keep the perspective you need to bring your people and your organization through a crisis. Four Ways to Stay Cool in a Crisis:
x Think “today.” Take the crisis one day at a time.
x Focus on the positive. Avoid negative people, negative thoughts, and negative talk. Constantly think positive thoughts and tell yourself that you can do it. Get grounded. Take 5- minute private breaks. Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. Don’t neglect spiritual exercises and activities as they fit your individual beliefs. x x Prioritize and focus. Keep meetings short or “on the hoof,” where everyone stands. Be more assertive. Say “no” more often. Be more conscious about managing your time and priorities. Concentrate on only major issues. Skip secondary tasks. Finally, Klann advises leaders in times of crisis to remember the big picture. “Concentrate on the greater vision you have of yourself, both personally and professionally. Think about where you will be and what you will be doing a year from now,” he says. “Stop and realize that you are alive and that much good will come out of the crisis.” By paying attention to your own emotions, needs, and behaviours, you will be better prepared to handle the human dimensions of the crisis. As a result, you will be more capable of containing the crisis, regaining control, minimizing damage, and effectively preventing, defusing, and reducing the duration of an extremely difficult leadership situation.
For more tips on leading in times of turmoil, access the full text of Klann’s book, Crisis Leadership: Using Military Lessons, Organizational Experiences, and the Power of Influence to Lessen the Impact of Chaos on the People You Lead .
Article 11 – Leading in a Crisis
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