A Look at How to Lead Through Crisis

July 19, 2024 – In today’s unpredictable world, effectively leading through crises is essential for organizational survival and success. A new report from Bryant Group’s Emili Bennett says that crises such as public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity threats, reputational issues, natural disasters, political unrest and violence demand leaders who not only anticipate challenges but also exhibit tenacity and strategic insight.
“Effective crisis leadership transcends mere management; it involves transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation,” Ms. Bennett said. “The essence of true leadership lies in the ability to proactively shape outcomes and leverage crises as catalysts for organizational improvement.”
Vision and Proactive Leadership
A key trait of effective crisis leadership is the capacity for foresight in conjunction with an agile leadership mentality that has anticipated potential challenges well before they arise, and can use that planning context to help structure and implement swift action to solve problems and even thrive in times of crises, according Ms. Bennett. “The crisis almost never exactly fits the plan, but the structure of the plan can help the leader to know who to bring together, how to assemble them quickly, and creates a mindset for all involved,” she said. “This kind of vision involves more than just predicting events; it encompasses a deep understanding of risk dynamics and the readiness to implement preemptive strategies. Leaders equipped with this proactive mindset ensure that their organizations are prepared, not merely reactive, when crises strike.”
“The global upheaval started by COVID-19, and now continued in academia and healthcare by additional crises (including enrollment cliff, public perception, rising costs and declining revenues, lawsuits, donor unrest and more) underscores the need for and nature of this visionary leadership,” Ms. Bennett says. “Institutions that had previously integrated crisis management plans, flexible work policies and robust mental and physical health measures were faster to adapt quickly. These leaders, by planning with a long-term view, emphasize resilience in their strategic planning.”
Experience and Expertise in Crisis Management
Experiencing past crises helps equip leaders with insights essential during turbulent times, Ms. Bennett explains. “This seasoned understanding aids in crafting effective recovery strategies and risk management, allowing leaders to make decisive, informed decisions,” she said. “Moreover, it’s important that leaders continually refine their knowledge base and adapt based on new challenges and the experiences shared globally, ensuring their preparedness for future uncertainties.”
Moxie: The X-Factor of Leadership
“Moxie is defined as a blend of courage, determination and energy crucial for navigating crises,” Ms. Bennett says. “Leaders possessing moxie inspire their teams, instill confidence and propel their organizations forward with passion and resilience.”
Related: 4 Lessons on Leading Through a Crisis
Ms. Bennett notes that such leaders are distinguished by their consistency and compassion, which are critical in maintaining morale and promoting a supportive culture. She says their emotional resilience is crucial for managing both personal and organizational stress during crises.
Commitment to Leadership Excellence
“Our experience in advancement and organizational leadership equips us to not only recognize potential but to nurture and develop exceptional leaders,” Ms. Bennett said. “By focusing on the broader impact of leadership roles, we contribute to shaping environments where leaders and organizations can thrive together. True leadership transcends mere team management; it involves inspiring and guiding teams through challenges and crises. Leaders must be equipped with these capabilities, preparing them not only to address current challenges but also to emerge stronger and more adept.”
Emili Bennett joined Bryant Group in 2022 as the first VP of leadership development, leading leadership coaching and talent development. She brings subject matter expertise in executive coaching, talent strategy & development, leadership development, employee engagement, change management and organizational development in higher education, non-profits, healthcare and corporate.
The qualities that define crisis leadership—vision, expertise, moxie and a commitment to continuous improvement—are critical for any leader that must navigate successfully through turbulent times, according to Ms. Bennett. “At Bryant Group, we embrace the running with scissors ethos, which symbolizes our readiness to challenge the status quo and tackle problems with a creative and fresh perspective,” she said. “This mindset is transferable to leaders and enables them to cut through complexity and navigate uncertain landscapes with agility and confidence, embodying the essence of running with scissors in crisis management.”
Bryant Group specializes in advancement, fundraising, and leadership for universities, hospitals, and other non-profits. Its services include recruiting, talent development, and leadership coaching. The organization’s higher education clients include Stanford University, Harvard University, Michigan State University, Baylor University, the University of New Mexico, and others. Its healthcare clients include UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, the Mayo Clinic in both Minnesota and Arizona, Henry Ford Health Systems, Betty Ford Center, to name just a few. Its other non-profit clients include the American Heart Association, March of Dimes in both California and New York, the J. Paul Getty Trust, and more.
“We are proud to partner with organizations and individuals aspiring to make a lasting impact through exceptional leadership,” Ms. Bennett said. “Our approach prepares leaders to not only tackle current challenges but also to anticipate and manage future crises, driving transformative change through bold yet prudent decisions.”
Related: Leadership Traits That Matter in Times of Crisis
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media