Navigating Life's Storms: Understanding and Preparing for Crises

A Comprehensive Guide to Recognizing, Responding to, and Emerging Stronger from Disruptive Events

What is a crisis?

1. A crisis is a condition of instability, danger, or acute emotional upset that disrupts normal functioning.

2. A crisis may be an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person’s life that challenges their ability to cope using normal problem-solving strategies.

3. A crisis is often a turning point or decisive moment that requires immediate action and response to prevent further escalation or negative consequences.

4. A crisis often threatens people’s well-being, safety, property, operations, or an organization’s mission and image.

5. A state of affairs marked by the impending possibility of change for the worse.

A crisis is an unstable, critical, and disruptive situation that poses risks, threats, or potential for adverse outcomes if not properly managed. It represents a decisive juncture that demands immediate attention, decision-making, and an effective crisis response to mitigate adverse effects and restore stability.

What does Crisis do to you?

1. A crisis strips away the superficial and tests the true mettle of a leader’s character, showcasing their strengths, weaknesses, and values.

2. The Crisis reveals their authentic priorities and deepest values.

3. Crises reveal whether a leader prioritizes self-interest or the greater good of their team and organization.

4. Crises can evoke emotions, such as fear, anxiety, sadness, or anger, affecting a person’s emotional state.

5. Crisis can prompt individuals to reflect on their values, beliefs, and life choices, fostering introspection and self-awareness.

A crisis will make you.

1. Leaders who remain ethical and principled during a crisis can earn respect.

2. Leaders who foster a culture of transparency and accountability can build trust during a crisis.

3. Leaders who take accountability and learn from crises can emerge stronger and more resilient.

4. Leaders who communicate a clear vision and strategy during a crisis can rally their team.

5. Crises allow leaders to show their problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

A crisis will break you.

1. Crises can overwhelm leaders who lack the skills and experience.

2. Leaders who cannot communicate effectively during a crisis can lose credibility and trust.

3. Crises can expose a leader’s inability to make tough decisions or adapt to changing circumstances.

4. Leaders who panic or become paralyzed by fear during a crisis can undermine their team’s confidence.

5. Crises can reveal a leader’s lack of emotional intelligence and inability to empathize. 

6. Crises can expose a leader’s lack of strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

7. Crises can expose a leader’s lack of ethical principles and decision-making.

How can you prepare for a crisis?

1. Decide your values and what you believe before anything else, and decide to stand on what you believe, no matter the cost.

2. Avoid knee-jerk reactions. Assess the situation first before determining the time and manner to respond.

3. Line up credible external parties who can vouch for your organization during a crisis to bolster your messaging.

4. Set up communication before that allows everyone to understand what is happening and know you are there.

5. Stay connected. Satan divides, and he uses Crisis to do so. 

6. Know what is right and do what is right. 

7. Value people over profit

Applicable Bible truths 

1. Keep watch, pray, and be prepared. Keep your shield handy. Proverbs 27:12 

2. Make the most of the opportunity. Work while you can because you know the night is coming. Proverbs 6:6-8 

3. Always run to God. You can never trust men. God is your refuge and strength. Psalm 46:1-3.

4. Take care of your own. 1 Timothy 5:8

5. Commit your way to the Lord and let Him be your protector. Proverbs 16:3 

6. Pray and know God will give you victory. Psalm 34:17.

7. Rejoice in the Lord and don’t be anxious. Philippians 4:6-7