The best time to prevent or mitigate a crisis is, not surprisingly, before it occurs. Most crises are smouldering, which means that they develop slowly but become apparent suddenly, just like a slow-burning fire that erupts into a conflagration seemingly out of nowhere. Here are principles to guide in leadership before a crisis occurs:
- Mobilize your team by anticipating and identifying potential crises before they strike.
- Implement rational risk management measures.
- Establish priorities for prevention and preparation on an ongoing basis.
- Create robust contingency plans to deal with the most likely and most dangerous situations you can envisage.
- Implement sound policies and procedures for the most likely crisis situations and events.
- Prepare yourself, your team, and your team through diligent practice and training.
- Employ trusted advisors and associates and ensure they are well qualified and working as a team.
- Build as flexible and resilient an organization as possible within the constraints of time and resources.
- Work on becoming more self-aware as a leader and seek to acquire the competencies to lead in a crisis.
Richard Martin is a consultant, speaker, and executive coach. He brings his military and business leadership and management experience to bear for executives and organizations seeking to exploit change, maximize opportunity, and minimize risk.
© 2014 Richard Martin. Reproduction and quotes are permitted with proper attribution.