There are remarkably vast differences in crisis leadership and leading in times of crisis. Crisis leadership is waiting (or allowing) a situation to become out of control before there is an action taken. Leading in a crisis is simply that. It is the actual process of (attempting) to lead, direct and motivate people when the situation is less than ideal.
Note these two simple examples of where there is crisis leadership in action:
You have an employee who is not working out and their performance has not been ideal for quite some time. Instead of releasing them from their employee contract, you allow them to continue on “hoping things get better.” Not going to happen. Take action immediately, be it additional training and development for their company role or asking for their resignation.In both of these examples, the negative outcome could have been avoided where there was confusion and ill feelings. The key to anti-crisis leadership is proper planning and consistency.You have a client who needs to exchange an inferior product that you sold to him. He’s requested this a few times, but you have failed to respond. You’re too busy, there are other clients to attend to, etc., etc. Now after a while, not only does the client want a refund, but he’s told you that he’s taking his business elsewhere.
What are some examples that you have dealt with concerning crisis leadership? Have you been a crisis leader, or, have you ever experienced the results of crisis leading?
Comment Preview