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One of my clients recently asked me, “How do some leaders stay so calm in the midst of crisis? It’s like nothing phases them. I want to be able to do that!” I had some good news for them—preparation and practice can help. “Really? It seems like they were born with that ability to remain calm in the midst of a storm….”

Many jobs require crisis training. First responders are probably the first to come to mind, yet customer service and IT also include training and preparation for breakdowns. The best idea is to be proactive: think about the types of crises we might encounter, plan for what might need to be done, then practice outside of an actual crisis situation, such as through a role play, until we develop a calm, almost automatic response.

Proactive Crisis Preparation

 Identify Potential Crises: Think about the types of crises that could arise in your field. This could range from technical failures to public relations issues.

 Plan Responses: Develop action plans for each potential crisis. What steps need to be taken immediately? Who needs to be informed?

 Practice Regularly: Engage in regular drills and role-plays to make the responses second nature.

Managing Emotions in Unexpected Crises

Of course, we can’t predict every crisis. So when confronted with an unexpected event, how do we keep our emotions in check? Humans are very emotional creatures, and that’s fine—emotions are just energy in motion. They help us tune into what’s important to us. In a crisis, though, we need to regulate our emotions. Start by putting your oxygen mask on first.

Steps to Regulate Emotions

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

 Take a Breath: Pause and tune into what you are feeling. Dig below the surface by asking yourself, “And what else?… And what else?”

 Change Your Language: Instead of saying “I am angry” or “I am fearful,” try “I feel angry” and “I feel fearful.” This small language change shifts us from subject (I am) to object (I feel). By externalizing our feelings, we are better able to process them and step back a bit, almost like an observer, giving us more control.

2. Reflect on What You Know and What You Don’t Know

 Separate Facts from Assumptions: Our emotions are fueled by the stories we’re making up in the face of uncertainty, often either worst-case or best-case scenarios. Most likely, scenarios are typically somewhere in the middle.

 Write Down What You Know: What are the known facts of the situation? What’s the data, and is it coming from a credible source?

 Write Down What You Don’t Know: This helps make the unknown more concrete.

 List Specific Questions: Even if you can’t get the answers right away, you’ve clarified what needs to be addressed.

With emotions more in check and a situational analysis complete, you are more prepared to take action.

Leading Others Through Crisis

As leaders, we’re not just leading ourselves through crisis—we’re leading our teams and others through crisis as well. Crisis might be defined as a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger, or a time when a difficult or important decision must be made. For many of us, change is experienced as a crisis, bringing forth emotions such as fear, anger, resentment, and resistance. For others, change triggers curiosity and excitement, yet may cause us to step over challenges and ignore likely obstacles. It’s important for us as leaders to be aware not only of our own natural reactions to crisis and change, but the natural reactions others may experience.

Helping Your Team in a Crisis

 Put On Your Oxygen Mask First: Ensure you are calm and collected before assisting others.

 Acknowledge Their Feelings: Just as you did for yourself, help your team members articulate their feelings.

 Guide Them Through Reflection: Encourage them to differentiate between facts and assumptions.

 Assist in Creating a Plan: Help them develop a clear action plan based on the known facts and their roles.

Conclusion

Staying calm in a crisis isn’t an innate ability—it’s a skill that can be developed with preparation and practice. By proactively preparing for potential crises, learning to regulate your emotions, and leading your team through structured responses, you can navigate even the most challenging situations with confidence and composure. Remember, as a leader, your calm presence can be a beacon of stability for your team in times of uncertainty.

Thanks for stopping by. We hope you found at least one little nugget you are taking away with you. What will you do to bring it into full living color?

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