Crisis Leadership
Ready —Few military leaders have demonstrated courageous leadership like General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the commander of Coalition Forces during the Gulf War. He faced a challenging situation that called for speed, mobility, and cooperation among multinational forces.
Set — Known for his strategic brilliance, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to his troops, Schwarzkopf’s leadership provides a blueprint to face turmoil in any setting. Courageous leaders . . .
Face Fears: They demonstrate an understanding of danger, but that they are in command of the situation. “There’s no reason to hide your fear if its rational.”
Promote Clarity: They offer a clear vision to guide the team forward setting clear objectives, simplifying complex problems, and communicating a decisive course of action. “Failure cannot be part of the vocabulary of the extraordinary leader.”
Impart Faith: They encourage faith in the cause. “No matter how charismatic you may be, if you don’t truly believe in your cause, you’re never going to convince your followers to believe or participate in it.”
Stand by Principles: They uphold ethical foundations, making decisions that align with their core values and those of their organization. “In times of crisis, when people must pick a leader from their peers, they always select the leader based upon character.”
Trust the Team: They delegate authority and cultivate a culture of accountability. Leaders say, “I’m here to be a member of the team. My motivation is to help you in any way I can to succeed in this mission.”
Adjust the Plan: They modify their scheme and use a different approach if the first one doesn’t work. “Never lose sight of your objective but stay flexible.”
Grow! — Leading through a crisis offers multiple challenges, but following Schwarzkopf’s blueprint is a solid way to address each one.
Two Questions
How do you handle fear in challenging situations?
What steps can you take to promote clarity within your organization during times of crisis to ensure everyone is aligned and focused?