MANAGING A CRISIS

Our worlds are loaded with one crisis after the other; then crisis management all the way. When managing a crisis, the first step is ALWAYS, to relax and take a deep breath and the last step: DEAL WITH IT. It may feel like your world is falling apart and really, its not. The crisis has a season or in most cases a minute and it passes. However you don’t want it to leave you drained and down. Just have a clear “out-of-crisis” crisis management strategy to focus your energies in the right direction.

Home Crisis

Some of the tiniest challenges may seem like the worst crisis when facing yourself. A toddler that refuses to take a bath, a disorganised home when guests are at the gate, a teen that drives you in sane at the worst of times; being stuck in the traffic whilst your pre-scholar is waiting for you an hour after the pick-up time. Relax, take a deep breath and deal with it.

If you have a partner or spouse, learn to share responsibilities on the crises that arise in the home front. Never own a crisis that is not the result of your negligence; rather participate in resolving it as an equal partner with the rest of your family and have everyone dealing with it. It helps to form crisis-rescue-relationships with reliable friends and neighbours for unforeseen challenges.

Office Crisis

I know, it happens everyday. The printer took a break and a report is due in a few minutes; the server is down and an overseas client has been waiting for your email since morning and worse the phones are also not working, your boss overhears you back-biting him with other colleagues and he only hears your part of the gossip, it’s a crisis. Its never too late for damage control. Just take a deep breath and deal with it.

Panicking has a way of blocking any creativity within you. A clear-headed official never seem to get into any crisis, and her secret is only to relax and re-strategise. Apologise for being late for your presentation, pick up the phone and call someone who might have a solution, stop playing a victim and deal with your crisis.

Business Crisis

Your main client’s project is falling apart at the last minute. It’s your fault, you made a serious error that might cost you the most important contract and let alone your reputation. Relax, take a deep breath, and call the client with a professional and well-thought apology. Please follow with the written apology to seal the crisis management strategy.

Communication is key in managing any crisis. You cannot leave anything to chance.

Social Crisis

A glass of red wine rests on your chest, making your cleavage look rather more decorated in a white bridesmaid gown. It’s a crisis but not a reason not to enjoy your best friend’s day. Relax, take a deep breath and pretend it never happened. It does, sort of disappear.

Always remember: every bad situation has a bright side. It’s always easy to look at the closing door, bitterness, and frustration whilst you miss on the great opportunity, a wide-open better door of lesson and experience. No better experience than managing a crisis.

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