[CM] [ISO] Building Effective Leadership and Sustainable Response [R 6]

ISO 22361:2022 Crisis Leadership Requirement 6

Under requirement "6 Crisis Leadership", ISO 22361:2022 elaborates on the two topics: "6.1 Core leadership skills and attributes" and "6.2 Well-being and sustainable crisis response".

Building Effective Leadership and Sustainable Response

Effective leadership is essential but not inherent; it requires continual development and honing specific skills and attributes. Leaders must instil confidence, provide clear direction, and navigate chaos with integrity and determination. They must foster accountability, encourage creativity, and maintain excellent interpersonal skills to guide organisations through turbulent times.

Proactive crisis leadership involves swiftly addressing the root cause, minimizing escalation, and laying a solid foundation for subsequent response activities.

Moreover, crisis leaders must orchestrate team operations, foster situational awareness, and drive strategic direction. They play a pivotal role in decision-making, setting strategic aims, and adapting strategies as the situation evolves.

Leaders must prioritize the well-being of responders, implementing measures to mitigate stress and support individuals and their families. Organisations can navigate crises confidently and emerge stronger by fostering resilience and preparedness.

In crisis management, effective leadership is not merely a title; it's a capability that must be cultivated and continuously honed. Crises demand a unique set of skills and attributes from leaders, ones that instil confidence, bring out the best in teams, and navigate through the chaos with integrity and determination.

Core Leadership Skills and Attributes

Leadership in a crisis hinges on the ability to stabilize the situation, instil confidence, and provide clear direction amidst uncertainty. Leaders must possess integrity, empathy, compassion, and authority. These traits defuse tensions and reassure stakeholders that capable hands are steering the course.

Moreover, crisis leaders must foster a culture of accountability within their teams while encouraging creative problem-solving. Excellent interpersonal skills, including consensus-building and effective communication, are paramount in guiding organisations through tumultuous times.

At the onset of a crisis, leaders must adhere to established management processes, swiftly identifying and addressing the root cause while minimizing further escalation. This proactive approach lays a solid foundation for subsequent response activities.

Role and Responsibility of Crisis Leaders

The role of crisis leaders extends beyond mere decision-making; it encompasses orchestrating team operations, fostering situational awareness, and driving strategic direction.

From leading executive meetings to reviewing team performance, crisis leaders are at the helm of managing the crisis response effectively.

Key responsibilities of crisis leaders include:

• setting strategic aims
• adapting strategies as the situation evolves
• facilitating cross-organisational consensus where necessary

Crisis leaders' decisions must be compassionate, ethical, and aligned with organizational values. They must also focus on documentation for post-event analysis and learning.

Additionally, crisis leaders must anticipate recovery efforts early, committing resources to facilitate a smooth transition beyond the crisis phase. Creativity and adaptability are crucial, as leaders may need to explore unconventional solutions and think beyond the confines of traditional operational paradigms.

Well-being and Sustainable Crisis Response

Crisis management can affect the well-being of responders, necessitating measures to mitigate stress and support individuals and their families. Top management plays a pivotal role in ensuring the welfare of crisis responders, from monitoring well-being to providing access to specialized support services.

Measures to support responders include fatigue management, access to psychological support, and resources for dealing with distressing issues. Additionally, leaders must be visible and available to interested parties, emphasizing the organisation's commitment to mitigating the broader impact of crises.

Summing Up ...

In conclusion, effective crisis management hinges on competent leadership, sustainable response mechanisms, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of all involved.

By fostering a culture of resilience and preparedness, organisations can confidently navigate crises and emerge stronger from them.

More Information About Crisis Management Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the  CM-300 Crisis Management Implementer [CM-3] and the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer [CM-5].

	Please feel free to send us a note if you have any questions.