Patricia Bradley’s Post

Many business owners and leaders believe that the only plan they need when disaster strikes is a crisis response plan. But here's what they're missing: the emotional skills that you, as a leader, will need in those crucial moments. I've seen it time and time again - leaders with carefully crafted crisis plans who still crumble under pressure. Why? Because they neglected to prepare themselves emotionally for the weight of leadership during turbulent times. Your ability to navigate a crisis isn't just about logistics and protocols. It's about: 👉🏿Maintaining composure when everything feels like it's falling apart 👉🏿Making clear-headed decisions when emotions are running high 👉🏿Inspiring confidence in your team when uncertainty looms large These aren't skills you can develop overnight. They require intentional practice and self-awareness. That's why I wrote my latest Forbes article, 'What Hurricane Milton Teaches Us About Crisis Leadership.' In it, I break down the often-overlooked emotional strategies that can make or break your leadership during a crisis. You'll learn: 👉🏿How to cultivate emotional agility for clearer decision-making; 👉🏿The power of accountability in building trust; 👉🏿Why prioritizing your team's well-being is non-negotiable; 👉🏿The critical importance of reflection and learning post-crisis. Whether you're a small business owner, part of an organization, or a corporate leader facing tough decisions, this article provides insights to help you navigate change effectively and thoughtfully. Read the full article below👇🏿 I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments! https://lnkd.in/g2eS5k-X

In the aftermath of Milton in Florida, my thoughts are with all the local government leaders and communities. In times like these, strong, resilient leadership is more crucial than ever to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens. I wanted to share this insightful article from ICMA: “Seven Key Strategies to Sustain Leadership During Long-Term Recovery from Natural Disasters.” It highlights actionable strategies that will be critical in the days and months ahead as communities work to recover and rebuild. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/er2K_aut Let’s stand together in support of our local government leaders and the communities they serve. #LocalGov

🌟 In Times of Crisis, Compassion Matters Most 🌟 Natural disasters can strike without warning, leaving behind devastation. As employers, how we respond to our employees and contractors during these difficult times speaks volumes about our leadership and values. In my latest article, I explore how biblical principles of compassion, service, and community can guide us in supporting our teams through chaos, whether it's a natural disaster or workplace upheaval. 🔗 Discover how to foster resilience, show empathy, and lead with hope during the hardest of times. #Leadership #Compassion #NaturalDisaster #EmployeeSupport #BiblicalPrinciples #ServantLeadership https://lnkd.in/eX6C3PgD

Leading Through Crisis: The Power of Emotional Intelligence As we face another hurricane, leaders are being tested in ways that demand resilience, empathy, and quick decision-making. In times of crisis, emotional intelligence becomes not just important—it becomes essential. Here are three key ways leaders can use emotional intelligence to navigate high-pressure situations: ➡️Stay Calm and Focused: Emotions can run high during emergencies, but leaders need to remain calm. By regulating your own emotions, you create a stable environment for others to follow. Your team will take cues from you, so take a moment to breathe and assess before reacting. ➡️Communicate with Empathy: Whether you're addressing a team or a community, how you communicate matters. Show empathy by listening to concerns and responding with clarity. People need reassurance and direction, and that starts with understanding their fears. ➡️Adapt Quickly: In a crisis, the situation can change in an instant. Leaders who are emotionally aware can adapt to these shifts more effectively. By staying open to new information and remaining flexible, you can guide your team or community through the uncertainty. As someone who’s led teams and raised relief efforts in challenging times, I’ve seen how emotional intelligence can be the difference between chaos and effective leadership. Let’s support each other in leading with care, courage, and calm in the days ahead. Stay safe, everyone. #TaraMurphyLeadeship #LeadershipMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence

How effective are your collaboration skills? Living in Austin, TX, it was impossible to avoid the hurricane warnings that were being issued this past week regarding Hurricane Beryl. Yesterday two million folks two hours away in Houston were out of power after the hurricane made landfall. TWO MILLION PEOPLE. That’s more than the entire population of 15 states. It’s a massive disruption to health and safety of course, as well as the workings of businesses and organizations. How do we even begin to respond to these types of events with such massive impacts? No one person can solve it alone. Only by collaborating will we even have a chance. As a leader, how effective are your collaboration skills? When I think of collaboration, I think of the importance of: ➡ Having strong leaders who are prepared and use their resources thoughtfully ➡ Having strong teams that work together to help the organization shift and change as needed ➡ Having the ability to formulate a unified response quickly to mitigate situations Many owners and executives struggle to ride out the most minimal of disruptions in their business climate. They are already stressed, and adding just one more thing can send them into overwhelm. Collaboration is not easy from this place. Having a trusted advisor on your team is critical to ride out these disruptions, and lead your organization through the changes that will continue to come. Collaboration is much easier when you have a strong team around you. #HurricaneBeryl #CollaborationAsALeadershipSkill #TrustedAdvisor I'm Karen Knab, a trusted advisor to organizational leaders, and therapist to many individuals over the years. Contact me if you want to prioritize collaboration in your organization.

🌍 Leadership Through Crisis: Lessons for Today's Challenges As wildfires rage across Los Angeles, my thoughts are with everyone affected—those battling the flames, supporting evacuation efforts, and those impacted by the devastation. These moments remind us of the incredible weight of leadership during times of crisis. In my book, "Leadership Through Hell and High Water," https://lnkd.in/gnp9ZErR I share insights drawn from my experiences navigating the chaos and uncertainty of the Fort McMurray wildfire. These lessons are as relevant today as they were then: 🔹 Stay Grounded: In the midst of chaos, clear communication and calm decision-making are essential. 🔹 Empower Your Team: Trust and collaboration are your strongest tools when facing overwhelming challenges. 🔹 Adaptability is Key: Situations can change in an instant. Being prepared to pivot can save lives and resources. 🔹 Resilience Matters: Rebuilding—whether a community or an organization—requires collective strength, empathy, and a forward-looking mindset. My heart goes out to leaders at all levels currently facing similar challenges. If my experiences in Fort McMurray taught me anything, it’s that leadership under fire—both literal and metaphorical—can inspire extraordinary acts of courage and humanity. Let’s use this moment to learn, support one another, and rebuild stronger. If you'd like to discuss crisis leadership strategies, my inbox is always open. Stay safe, Jean-Marc Guillamot https://lnkd.in/gnp9ZErR

Today's addition to this pair of jeans that you've worn to the office that aren't as clean as you thought they were of a series where I make an increasingly futile attempts to make a link to events in history of the same day. On 22 January 1906 the SS Valencia hit a reef southwest of Vancouver Island, puncturing the hull. Unfortunately directly after hitting the reef a large wave lifted the ship off the reef, which would have been ideal were it not for the reef now being the main thing from preventing the newly produced hole being filled with water. The captain made the decision to ground the ship to prevent it sinking. Everything went to pieces and panic set in. Against the captain's orders six of seven lifeboats were launched, badly. None of them were manned properly, three flipped over before hitting the water and tossing their passengers into the sea, two capsized, and the other one went missing. 100 people died. Crises are fascinating, they can bring out the best and worst in people. The better prepared you are for crises the easier they will be. I've spent most of my career in crisis management in one form or another, here are a couple of reflections; 📑 *a* plan is better than no plan. Start with vague classifications and refine them. 🧑 work out who you need for what, when. Use your vague classifications and build out a loose RACI. ⭐ leadership and facilitation. Compassionate, empathetic, and firm leadership is required to get the most out of people when handling a crisis.

Most people get stuck when crises hit, but here's how to get through them and grow even when the stakes are high. World-Changing Trait #16 – Crisis Management Crisis management is about navigating difficult situations and using them as steppingstones for personal development. Imagine a city facing a natural disaster, like a hurricane. Emergency responders work tirelessly to manage the immediate crisis, ensuring the safety of residents and coordinating evacuations. By staying calm and focused, they save lives and prevent chaos. After the crisis, they reflect on their response to improve future preparedness, turning the challenge into an opportunity for growth. In the workplace, a critical project might suddenly go off track due to unforeseen issues: → The team analyzes the problem and develops a strategic plan to resolve it → Resources are reallocated and timelines adjusted to manage the crisis effectively → Afterward, they review the situation to identify lessons learned and improve processes At home, crisis management involves handling unexpected problems calmly: → Work together with family members to navigate emergencies → Reflect on the experience afterward to learn valuable lessons for the future Crisis management also means finding emotional strength during difficult times: → Focus on overcoming the immediate crisis and then on the lessons learned → Turn crises into opportunities for growth and personal development How do you handle crises in your life? Share your strategies and thoughts! #CrisisManagement #Resilience #GrowthMindset #Adaptability #MaverickStrategist #MaverickonaMission ____________________________ I’m Jeff, a strategic advisor for resilience and complex matters. I help visionaries harness their unique strengths to create impactful change by offering tailored guidance and practical tools to overcome challenges and transform ideas into confident, clear leadership. Find my featured section to book a complimentary call.

Sheldon Yellen’s approach to disaster recovery offers key lessons for any business leader navigating through uncertainty. His emphasis on foresight, communication, and mental health resonates across industries. For fleet managers, building a culture of adaptability is crucial, especially when planning for disruptions—whether from natural disasters or evolving market demands. Technology and data-driven insights help us anticipate risks and maintain continuity, but it’s the human element—supporting teams and fostering continuous improvement—that really drives resilience. As the landscape keeps shifting, preparedness remains the best strategy. #Leadership #FleetManagement #BusinessResilience

Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. As communities face this overwhelming challenge, we're witnessing remarkable acts of leadership that remind us of our shared responsibility to one another. The response from emergency teams, community leaders, and local officials offers crucial lessons in crisis leadership that resonate far beyond this current emergency. Their response highlights several essential leadership principles that can guide us all: -Empathy & Compassion: In moments of crisis, showing empathy is essential. Leaders must understand the human element – the toll on families, communities, and first responders. Supporting mental well-being, offering assistance, and maintaining open communication are vital steps in leading with heart. -Risk Management: While we can never fully predict when or how disasters will strike, proactive planning is key. Businesses, governments, and organizations must invest in risk management strategies to prepare for worst-case scenarios. It's not about eliminating risk entirely but about building resilience. -Long-term Vision & Flexibility: True leadership blends foresight with adaptability. Effective leaders are not only thinking about long-term planning but also responding in real-time to unforeseen circumstances or new data. Whether it's deploying resources or adjusting strategies based on evolving situations, flexibility is key. -Communication is Critical: During wildfires, timely and transparent communication can save lives and mitigate damage. As leaders, we must commit to clear, honest, and consistent messaging, especially when dealing with uncertainty. To everyone working tirelessly to protect and support California's communities during this crisis: thank you for your courage and commitment.🤝 #CommunitySupport #EmergencyResponse #CrisisLeadership #Resilience