From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership

FACING A CRISIS

As much as you'd like it to be otherwise, at some point the organization will face a crisis. It may be quite severe, such as an industrial accident that results in severe injuries or even deaths, or an environmental disaster for which the company is responsible. Crises are highly emotional because of their serious impact. It's human and completely normal to feel sadness, as well as compassion and empathy for those who are directly affected. When it comes to the response, however, such emotions as anger and fear must be minimized so that the organization can move forward swiftly. The way to do that is to return to the foundation put forth earlier in this chapter: the commitment to do the right thing and the knowledge that, no matter ...