When a Crisis Hits Part 3

Another way people deal with a crisis is the refusal to act. Maybe it is the inability to decide, maybe it is the fear of the unknown or the uncertainty of not knowing what to do, but whatever you call it is the refusal to act. When a crisis comes along it is pivotal for leaders to act. When leaders refuse to act they only make the crisis worse. A crisis does not "blow over" nor does a crisis "fix itself". That is why it is a crisis, a crisis is a situation that requires discernment, action and leadership if it is to be managed. The following is a crisis management plan to help individuals as well as organizations deal with a crisis...

1. Determine if the current situation is actually a crisis. Remember the definition of a crisis; a turning point or an unstable event.
2. Define the cause of the crisis. If you do not know how you got into this crisis you are destined to repeat the same crisis again.
3. Discuss how to deal with the crisis, Proverbs 11:14 reminds us of the value of wise discussion.         
4. Deal with the crisis quickly to avoid having the crisis infect the entire organization.
5. Be aware there may be damage control the leaders must deal with, this must be done wisely and quickly.

This is but one way to deal with a crisis, I am sure there are other crisis management strategies that are helpful. Just remember, every strategy contains one thing in common to deal with a crisis there must be action, refusing to act only prolongs the crisis and can lead to permanent damage or bring the demise to an organization.