3 Lessons on Crisis Leadership
“Everything you need to know about leadership, diversity and most other things in life can be learned in your family, the first human capital engagement.”
These are my own famous words that I share with clients, in classrooms, or whoever will listen. Why I stick to this philosophy shows up in a myriad of ways, most recently in a family crisis.
I served as the administrator for my mother's estate after she passed in March 2010. What an experience of pressure and responsibility during such a profound loss. Left to finish up the affairs of my mother’s life according to the requirements of my court appointment, while sharing joint ownership of her home and charge over numerous other tasks to be executed with a sister and two brothers was most challenging. Part of my mission was also to honor her legacy in a meaningful way as a determined single parent of four children. Whew! How do I handle this? You're the oldest was the constant reminder from other family members whenever I pleaded for understanding over my predicament.
The assignment before me called on every leadership skill I had, from knowledge management, decision-making, financial reconciliation to collaboration and deploying labor resources. Trying to function in this role with my three siblings summoned up an even larger list of conflict management, dialogue and problem solving. In addition to birth order dynamics, our personality and lifestyle differences loomed large. The fact that we shared blood opted out. Does this sound familiar to what happens with crisis management in organizations?
Keeping the legal and business requirements at the forefront in the midst of the intense emotions of disbelief, fear and grieving compounded the necessity for using these skills effectively. When communications with my siblings became overwhelmingly strained, I’d look up and say to my mother’s spirit, “You know this cast of characters you left me with -I’m doing the best I can.” Trying to stay true to our family values served as a beacon. As Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s First Prime Minister stated, “Every little thing counts in a crisis.”
I really was put to the test to use what I teach others about leadership and diversity concepts in this family situation. My grades hovered between pass and fail as this effort continued for more than two years before the house sold and I rendered my final report to the court. But I kept trying, staying on mission.
Much like leaders in other groups, when unpleasant or emergency situations arise, we must continue on. It is the bottom-line for business or family, the charge of leadership reigns!
According to business professors, Erika Hayes James and Lynn Perry Wooten in their book, Leading Under Pressure: From Surviving to Thriving Before, During and After a Crisis, crisis leadership is a continuous process that involves developing a mindset for reflecting, adapting and learning from the crisis situation and its aftermath.
So what did I glean and validate from this experience that is useful at every level of human capital?
- Somebody needs to be in charge. Without effective leadership, the gap for failure widens.
- Differences will show up and show out. Recognize them at the outset and their impact on the critical processes of managing the crisis.
- Hone in on core and shared values. Don’t make assumptions that everyone is at the same place. Revisit and realign what’s most important to your entity.
A crisis can be a fundamental pivot point for organizations and individuals. Grappling with the dynamics, no matter how difficult, can yield hope for improved understanding, change and growth.
Deborah L. Parker is Chief Inspirer, author and speaker of The DPJ Training Group. She specializes in result -focused programs on leadership, career and diversity management for federal and private sector audiences, and blends her experiences as an army reserve officer and corporate manager with a B.A. in Sociology and M.A. in Human Resource Development. In addition, Deborah is a frequent author, including her most recent book, Hardcore Leadership: 11 Master Lessons from My Airborne Ranger Uncle’s “Final Jump,” Deborah is a member of the Metro DC Chapter of ASTD and when taking a break, she enjoys travel and long walks.