Lead Through Danger and Crisis
The catering business is filled with variables that make our job of executing events extremely challenging. Things rarely go according to how they are planned due to so many unforeseen factors that are often out of our control. A friend of mine, Jen Delaye, who owns The JDK Group in Harrisburg, PA, refers to caterers as the “Navy Seals” of the event industry, because of the challenges we often face and the ability to problem solve, many times with limited resources. The nature of our business lends itself to dangerous situations. Utilizing knives and sharp objects, lifting and moving heavy equipment, working with fire and propane, and often being exposed to the elements during outdoor events creates even more complexity to our day to day operations. Catering an event for 200 people under a tent in the middle of a field with no electricity, water or cell service is challenging enough, but throw in a torrential downpour and you’ve got a potential disaster on your hands.
Many people can lead a team when things are running smoothly, however great leaders differentiate themselves by how they lead during a time of crisis. Knowing that all of the people on our Leadership Team will find themselves at the helm during one of these times (if they haven’t already), we had a great conversation this week about what it means to lead through challenging, difficult and sometimes dangerous situations. There were five points we keyed on that I want to share with you:
Leaders must manage their emotions and stress.
Chaos can ensue when the person in charge can’t seem to hold it together. Taking a deep breath- then staying calm, stable and focused helps to put others at ease gives them reassurance that the team will overcome what they are faced with.
It’s important to keep things in perspective.
When things go wrong it’s easy to jump to “the sky is falling.” Great leaders have the ability to take a step back and isolate the problem. They forecast what the intended and unintended consequences will be of their decisions and they use critical thinking to analyze the best solutions.
During these situations, leaders must prioritize what needs to get done right away and what can be delayed.
Then they take action, focusing on basic needs during an emergency, while putting off details that pertain to the execution of the event until they can get things under control. It also provides momentum toward a solution when we make a decision and move forward as opposed to being paralyzed by fear of making a wrong choice.
Being present, visible and available is crucial to help the rest of the team get through a challenge.
While we may want to run away or slink into the corner, leaders have a responsibility to get out in front and provide support and guidance for their teams. Just knowing you are there for them, goes a long way and will give your team the confidence to do whatever needs to get done.
Finally, leaders have to stay positive.
Negativity and doomsday talk don’t serve a purpose during times of crisis. Great leaders are dealers in hope under regular circumstances and this becomes even more important when things go south. Keep in mind the positivity must match the gravity of the situation, but a reminder that “we will get through this” and a can do attitude apply to almost all situations.
I hope you don’t encounter crises or dangerous situations often, but if and when you do, you will be armed with a few more tools to overcome whatever is thrown your way.