Eight Ways to Lead During a Corporate Crisis

Eight Ways to Lead During a Corporate Crisis

Vote of Confidence, Part I

57% of workers believe their peers are well prepared to deal with an emergency or crisis, and 61% feel that way about their managers.

Vote of Confidence, Part II

54% say their senior leaders are well prepared for an emergency or crisis.

Crisis Management Best Practices: Set the Scene

Test your IT department’s preparedness by presenting “what if?” scenarios.

Crisis Management Best Practices: Get Comfy Being Under a Microscope

During a crisis, CIOs have to feel at ease with working while everyone—employees, colleagues, bosses, stakeholders, partners, customers and possibly the media—is watching.

Crisis Management Best Practices: Scout for Crisis Leaders

This would include employees who initiate their own work projects or aren’t overwhelmed by unexpected, negative circumstances.

Crisis Management Best Practices: Maintain Decorum

You’ll lead your teams much more effectively by speaking assertively and confidently under fire. Save any anger and venting for your out-of-office hours.

Crisis Management Best Practices: Recruit IT Employees Who Have Weathered Other Calamities

Ask candidates about the emergencies they’ve faced—and what they did to help lead their companies under duress.

Crisis Management Best Practices: Nix the Blame Game

In the moment of crisis, pointing fingers is a waste of time and energy—and it contributes to a negative and possibly acrimonious atmosphere.

Crisis Management Best Practices: Review—and Re-Review—Your Continuity Plan

A crisis often involves a natural disaster or other circumstance that disrupts tech and overall operations. Constantly re-access current business continuity procedures and systems to minimize the damage.

Crisis Management Best Practices: Social Sophistication

Social media can be your best friend, or your worst enemy, during a catastrophe. Always have a designated social-media policy and plan in place for these moments, and train a designated team to take on this responsbility.