Crisis has a way of shaking the ground beneath us. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt spread quickly. When that happens, people look to leaders for stability.
The truth is, a crisis doesn’t just test plans. It tests presence.
Strong leadership isn’t about eliminating the storm; it’s about anchoring yourself and your team so you can withstand it. Here are ten anchors every leader can hold onto when the pressure is on:
1. Lead with Empathy and Compassion
People first, always. In a crisis, humans aren’t just a resource — they are the resource. Your ability to see, hear, and value people matters more than any procedure or policy.
2. Stay Adaptable and Calm
Crisis changes by the hour. Rigid certainty crumbles under stress. Agility, composure, and calm leadership inspire confidence when everything else feels uncertain.
3. Emphasize People Over Profits
Treat people right, and profits will follow. Panic-driven cost-cutting destroys trust. Putting humans first creates the loyalty that sustains organizations long after the crisis has passed.
4. Rise to the Occasion
Crisis can become a leader’s defining moment. Heroes aren’t made when things are easy. They’re forged in fire — by showing up when others shrink back.
5. Communicate Clearly, Consistently, and Transparently
Share what you know, even if you don’t have all the answers. Consistent communication builds trust. Silence breeds fear.
6. Provide Mental Support and Check-Ins
Everyone experiences a crisis differently. Leadership means noticing, asking, and listening. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is presence and empathy.
7. Remember: Crisis Is Temporary
Perspective is power. Even the harshest winters eventually give way to spring. Remind your team that what they’re experiencing won’t last forever.
8. Create a Positive Narrative
Stories shape culture. The words you choose become the story your team believes about the future. Use language that inspires resilience, not despair.
9. Take Care of Yourself
Leaders can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s responsible leadership. A tired, depleted leader can’t guide others through the storm.
10. Anchor in Core Values
When pressure mounts, shortcuts tempt. But values are what keep you steady. They’re the compass that will outlast the crisis.
The Takeaway
Leading in crisis isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about being an answer. Your empathy, presence, and clarity will outlast the storm.
This framework is deeply connected to the mindset I share in my book, What’s Going Well?. Even in moments of chaos, the simple discipline of asking what’s still working? can shift perspective, create hope, and build resilience.
If your team needs inspiration to reframe challenges into opportunities, What’s Going Well? is a powerful place to start.