Crisis Leadership: Using Military Lessons, Organizational Experiences, and the Power of Influence to Lessen the Impact of Chaos on the People You Lead

CONCLUSION

In the final analysis, it is all about people.

Because of its intense nature, a crisis triggers emotions, which signal a threat to one or more basic human needs. These needs include such things as safety, security, and self-esteem. When people in an organization feel these needs are threatened, they will behave in ways that ensure their basic needs are met. But because those involved don’t always know what to do during a crisis, their behavior may become irrational, unpredictable, and unproductive. Leaders in a crisis situation have to be aware of these connections and respond to the crisis in a way that guides their employees’ behaviors toward positive and balanced action, thus ensuring that the organization will weather the crisis ...