6 Vital Qualities of a Crisis Team Leader

1) Know the ins and outs of the business

When crisis strikes it is critical that the crisis leader know the business inside and out. Crisis often puts many moving parts at risk and having a leader who is able to navigate through an organization from top to bottom is often the difference between failure and recovery.

2) Crisis management experience

Sure, every crisis is different; but a sound crisis leader should be able to pull tactics and strategies from previous situations to help resolve the one at hand. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t trust a baker to sell me a quality rib eye steak. So go find your butcher of crisis leadership, and remember: an experienced leader is a sound leader.

3) Exceptional communication skills

Lack of communication is a crisis in itself. Being able to successfully communicate to entry level team members as well as c-suite executives and everyone in between keeps your organization on the same page and that much more likely to recover from crisis.

4) Calm, confident and committed

Crisis managers are the face of your company during its most critical times. Displaying a calm and confident image distills a sense of security in people both inside and outside of the organization. Not panicking while knowing exactly what to do goes a long way when dealing with sensitive situations.

5) Quick-witted

Crisis can strike at any time. Being able to strike back and minimize damage to your organization’s reputation can be a difficult task. Responding immediately to crisis is crucial, and being able to do this successfully will save time, money, reputations, and ultimately careers.

6) Prioritizes well

Realizing the areas of your organization that need to be restored immediately compared to those of less sensitivity plays a large part in managing crisis. A sound crisis leader will be able to map out a crisis response plan that includes a priority list of responses for each anticipated event.

Crisis can strike at any time and in many forms. Hiring a crisis leader is the first step in proactively managing crisis before it strikes. A sound leader will have plans in place and be prepared for the worst at all times. Consider these six qualities when hiring the person who could ultimately be the difference between the success and failure of your business.   For more information regarding crisis management and leadership, do not hesitate to contact the Fallston Group at 410.420.2001 or by email at info@fallstongroup.com.