Learn how to lead decisively during a team crisis with top supervisory skills that can set you apart for a promotion.

Leaders step forward in times of crisis. No stars, bars, or stripes make you a leader. You are a leader when all is chaos around you, you bring the calm to the chaos. In crisis you must be seen. And not just in front but all around. Make a decision and move. People who are supposed to be leaders destroy morale when the followers see the person up front unable to make a decision. As a leader you should be playing crisis’s over and over in your head. Think of all the what if’s ahead of time.

Gather relevant information and data to inform decision-making. Develop a contingency plan with alternative solutions and scenarios. Decisive leadership in a crisis requires a combination of strategic thinking, effective communication, and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure. By following this framework, leaders can navigate complex crises and emerge stronger and more resilient.

What do you do if your team is facing a major crisis and needs decisive leadership?

When your team is facing a major crisis, it's your time to shine as a leader. Crises can come in many forms, from sudden market changes to internal conflicts, and how you handle these situations can either make or break your team's success. Your role as a leader is to navigate through the storm with confidence and clarity, ensuring that your team feels supported and guided towards a resolution. With the right supervisory skills, you can turn a crisis into an opportunity for growth, learning, and team cohesion. It's about being the calm in the chaos and the voice of reason when things seem to be falling apart.

1 Assess Quickly

In a crisis, time is of the essence. You need to quickly assess the situation to understand the scope and impact. Gather information from reliable sources, evaluate the immediacy of the issue, and determine the resources you have at your disposal. It's essential to remain calm and methodical, as your team will look to you for cues on how to react. Prioritize the problems that need immediate attention and make sure you're clear on what constitutes a real emergency versus what can be dealt with later.

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Temitope Oladokun

Senior Technical Product Manager | Leading AI Product Development | Author
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As a technical product manager in a crisis situation, here's what you can do to provide decisive leadership for your team. It is either you go Hard or Go Home especially in managing teams and product. 1. Gather Information: Quickly convene the team and gather all available information about the crisis. 2. Define the Scope: Isolate the core issue and its potential ripple effects. 3. Prioritize: Identify the most critical actions that need immediate attention. 4. Be Transparent and Manage Expectations 5. Brainstorm Solutions: Work with your team to develop a plan of action. 6. Delegate Tasks to the execution parties. 7. Seek feedbacks 8. Be confidence and vigilant

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2 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is vital in a crisis. You must convey the situation's seriousness without inducing panic. Be transparent about what you know, what you don't know, and what steps you're taking to address the issue. Ensure that every team member understands their role in the crisis response and feels comfortable asking questions or expressing concerns. This is not the time for jargon or ambiguity; speak plainly and directly to foster trust and confidence in your leadership.

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3 Lead Decisively

Decisive leadership is crucial when facing a major crisis. Once you have assessed the situation and communicated with your team, it's time to make decisions. These decisions should be informed, strategic, and timely. Don't be afraid to take charge and direct your team's efforts where they are most needed. However, be open to feedback and willing to adjust your approach if the situation evolves or new information comes to light.

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Jon Fehlman (Retired-Chief of Police) MS, BS

Senior Consultant MGT Impact Solutions, LLC
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Leaders step forward in times of crisis. No stars, bars, or stripes make you a leader. You are a leader when all is chaos around you, you bring the calm to the chaos. In crisis you must be seen. And not just in front but all around. Make a decision and move. People who are supposed to be leaders destroy morale when the followers see the person up front unable to make a decision. As a leader you should be playing crisis’s over and over in your head. Think of all the what if’s ahead of time.

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Moses Bhooshi

Retired Technical Analyst @ Broward Sheriff's Office | Leadership, Government, and Public Administration
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Dear Chief Jon, A Rookie from Day One should, Must as a Mandatory Self Introduction One on One with the Chief to Present His/Her Commitment. Also Acknowledge The Agency Commitment with Integrity, Honor, Patience to be a Pride to Join the Team to give the Utmost Best. Chief should sign together with Respect along with the Rookie as a Dedicated Team Member. This Motivates the Rookie from day One to be a Shinning Star. Rookies Chain of Command should welcome the Rookie to teach the Basics to test his/her weak & bright talents to rigorously train on a daily basis. Roll Calls should Not be an entertainment to assign shift & zone assignment s. Attendandance should be motivated. Encouraging Rookies with Minor/Major Mistakes on Duty. Amen & Shalom

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4 Empower Others

During a crisis, it's important to empower your team members to take initiative and make decisions within their areas of expertise. Delegating responsibilities not only helps distribute the workload but also builds trust and fosters a sense of ownership among team members. Provide clear guidelines and support, but allow individuals the autonomy to solve problems creatively. This empowers them to act swiftly and effectively, often leading to innovative solutions that you may not have considered.

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5 Maintain Morale

A crisis can be stressful and demoralizing, so maintaining team morale is essential. Recognize the efforts of your team members and celebrate small victories along the way. Encourage a supportive atmosphere where people feel valued and heard. It's important to keep spirits high, as a motivated team is more resilient and capable of overcoming challenges. Remember, your attitude as a leader sets the tone, so stay positive and solution-focused.

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6 Learn and Adapt

Every crisis presents a learning opportunity. After the immediate threat has passed, take time to reflect on what happened, what was done well, and what could be improved. Involve your team in this process to gain diverse perspectives and insights. Use this information to update protocols, refine strategies, and strengthen your team's ability to handle future crises. Adapting based on experience ensures that your team becomes more adept at navigating challenges and reinforces your role as an effective leader.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sandra Dennis-Essig

Emergency Management Specialist/Disaster Duty Officer/Hospital Patient Decontamination Team Member “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” ~Benjamin Franklin ~
(edited)
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Gather relevant information and data to inform decision-making. Develop a contingency plan with alternative solutions and scenarios. Decisive leadership in a crisis requires a combination of strategic thinking, effective communication, and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure. By following this framework, leaders can navigate complex crises and emerge stronger and more resilient.

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Charlie Brown, LCPC, NCC

Disaster Mental Health at American Red Cross
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Don't be afraid to bring in outside professionals or arrange for training for your leadship team if the expertise isn't there. And don't forget ALL of your employees are resources, often overlooked and untapped.

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Simmi Gulati

I enable Leaders to Transform through enhancing Self Awareness, Clarity of thought & Conscious choices || Executive & Leadership Coach (ICF ACC)|| Mentor I Wholistic Well-being Facilitator
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A crisis can overwhelm everyone in the team as well as the one who is leading the team, as the stakes are high at such a time. and a small step can have huge implications. it's important to first, pause and look at the situation to assess it from all aspects to assess mindfully what needs to be managed, in order of priority - time and importance, as well as key resources. Open communication with the team about the situation, taking their buy-in to take ownership and responsibility toward goals Draw a strategic plan involving the key members of the team to ensure covering all critical aspects and encourage teamwork and ongoing communication daily to ensure timely resolution. recognizing and acknowledging the efforts of everyone

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What do you do if your team is facing a major crisis and needs decisive leadership?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Quickly

2 Communicate Clearly

3 Lead Decisively

4 Empower Others

5 Maintain Morale

6 Learn and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Supervisory Skills

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What do you do if your team is facing a major crisis and needs decisive leadership?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Quickly

2 Communicate Clearly

3 Lead Decisively

4 Empower Others

5 Maintain Morale

6 Learn and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Supervisory Skills

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