Crisis Management Leadership

When something goes wrong, being a leader become a lot harder. Historically challenges will define your legacy. Rising to the occasion isn't about just reacting well to a crisis but thinking about how you would handle yourself long before trouble emerges. Here are three tips to prepare you for these kinds of challenges:

Accept Responsibility: No matter who or what caused the problem, if you're at ground zero of something that went wrong, then it's your problem. People don't like leaders who try to pass the buck or minimize their blame. Good leaders often inherit problems they didn't create but must solve. If you actively respond to challenges, you will appear decisive. You can't try go ignore the fact that you've got a big mess to clean up. Focus on explaining how you'll solve the problem as well as make sure it doesn't happen again.

People Don't Care About Your Problems: Former British Petroleum CEO, Tony Hayward, may have been exhausted when he made his infamous comment about wanting to get, "...back to his life," but this was a big mistake. Leaders are expected to do whatever it takes to get the job done. If you want to work 8 to 5, then you don't accept a leadership position.

In addition, pretty much everyone alive thinks they they work hard and that their work is under appreciated. Don't get in a battle with them by saying that your life is worse than theirs. You will never win this comparison.

Don't Try to Do It All: When a challenge emerges, some leaders withdraw a bit from their organization. They become a solo operation and try to solve the problem on their own. Before long, they are overextended. That leads to mistakes and an even bigger mess. As a leader, you need to direct your team and not try to do everything yourself. When you pay people to do stuff, you need to let them do their jobs. This will also allow you to keep a big picture perspective

With careful preparation, you can develop the skills you'll need for the crisis that surprises you in the future.

Ken Okel helps people and organizations communicate better, be more efficient, and overcome the obstacles that keep them from being profitable. For his free newsletter and special report, 7 Communication Mistakes that are Costing You Money, go to his website at http://www.kenokel.com. You'll also be able to see a video of Ken's speaking presentations.

Ken also helps nonprofits and businesses develop their Internet presence at: http://www.socialmedianonprofits.com