Leadership Lesson – September 2024: Leadership in Times of Crisis: Guiding the Way Forward

​​​Words of advice from leaders on the front lines.
This month’s leadership lesson is from Katherine Halata, MPH, emergency preparedness specialist for Alliant Health Solutions.

This September, National Preparedness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of readiness in the face of unexpected events. In times of crisis, leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about setting the tone for everyone involved. True leaders leverage advanced skills—communication, organizational abilities, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and interpersonal acumen—to influence and guide their teams to perform at their best when it’s needed the most.

During a disaster, an unexpected event that disrupts daily life and demands immediate action, the role of a leader becomes even more crucial. Disaster management isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about being adaptable, learning from past experiences, and being prepared for the unexpected.

Key Leadership Principles During a Disaster:

1. Visibility and Calmness: Leaders must be present and visible, maintaining a calm and organized demeanor. This offers hope and reduces staff anxiety, fostering a sense of stability in chaotic times.
2. Providing Essential Tools: Ensure your team has the resources, supplies, and policies to perform effectively. Leadership support should be visible and tangible, empowering the frontline staff to navigate challenges proficiently.
3. Security and Safety: Establish robust security measures to protect staff and customers while safeguarding against potential threats like theft.
4. Self-Care for Leaders: Leaders often face long days and extended periods of high stress during a crisis. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercise routine, sleep hygiene, and mental health support is essential to sustain effective leadership.
5. Maintaining Business Operations: Even in a disaster, daily business operations must continue. This includes processing payroll, monitoring safety, handling controlled substances, and managing the organization’s budget, which will likely be under significant strain.
6. Communication is Key: Transparent, honest, and frequent communication is vital. By staying ahead of rumors, leaders can maintain morale and keep their teams focused. Regular updates—whether through emails or town hall meetings—help keep everyone informed and aligned.
7. Encouragement and Morale: Your team’s emotional well-being is as important as their physical safety. Leaders must be sensitive to the personal challenges their team members may face, offering understanding, support, and hope through difficult times.
8. Learning and Adapting: Disaster response requires flexibility. No two disasters are the same, and having backup plans—Plan B, C, and D—ensures the organization can adapt to evolving situations.
9. Resilience and Objectivity: Personal resilience is crucial for leaders. By maintaining objectivity, avoiding negative judgments, and modeling respect and empathy, leaders can inspire their teams to persevere through the crisis.
10. Creativity and Problem-Solving: Innovative thinking is needed to overcome the unique challenges that arise during a disaster. Use the best information available to make informed decisions, and don’t be afraid to try new approaches.

The Path Forward:

Leadership during a crisis demands a careful balance of decisiveness and compassion. Keeping your organization’s mission and vision at the forefront will help preserve the stamina needed to lead through the disaster and recovery. By embodying these principles, leaders can guide their teams through uncertainty, emerging stronger and more resilient.

For more information, check out this article: Leadership Essentials During a Disaster.

Grossman VA. Leadership Essentials During a Disaster. J Radiol Nurs. 2020 Sep;39(3):156-157. doi: 10.1016/j.jradnu.2020.04.006. Epub 2020 May 4. PMID: 32372890; PMCID: PMC7198209.