The modern workplace is becoming increasingly prone to crises. With the escalating volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) we face, employers need to be proactive rather than reactive. Political divides, geopolitical tensions, and economic instability are weighing heavily on the minds of employees, leading to heightened adversity loads that manifest in their daily work lives.
As workers grapple with these external pressures—concerns about global events, family dynamics, and workplace challenges—they inevitably bring their stressors into the office, affecting productivity, morale, and overall well-being. Employers must prioritize developing core competencies to effectively navigate and mitigate these crises, fostering a resilient and supportive work environment. Given the trend of increasing challenges, now is the time for leaders to act decisively and create strategies that empower employees to thrive, even in the face of adversity.
The purpose of this article is to introduce 12 core competencies that can provide a foundation for becoming Crisis Ready: anticipating crises, preventing crises, and navigating employee crises in the workplace.
1. Self-Awareness
To reduce the risk of the Dunning-Kruger effect (i.e., overestimating one’s ability), it is beneficial to evaluate one’s readiness within the context of crisis management. For example, taking a CPR course does not necessarily mean a person is confident they can successfully perform CPR six months later. Similarly, a professional who has not yet dealt with a workplace crisis cannot assume that one will not occur.
2. Crisis Management Basics
My motivation for creating the professional certification at www.crisisready.ca is to provide professionals with a foundation in crisis management within the workplace context for directly supporting employees. The end goal is to help train professionals to prevent crises and, when they occur, to navigate people-focused crises effectively in the workplace.
3. Situational Awareness
Recognizing and understanding the nuances of one’s environment enables quick, informed responses during crises. This includes developing the skills to proactively anticipate risks, threats, and emerging challenges before they happen. It also involves assessing where to take risks and where not to, ensuring both personal safety and the protection of others.
4. Charged
Building mental fitness and resilience is essential so that, in times of crisis, one has the energy required to act effectively and safely. Crisis readiness involves preparation for the unexpected. Thriving in a crisis requires energy, self-confidence, and a belief in one’s ability to manage adversity.
5. Tactical Empathy
It is critical not to be judgmental in a crisis and to demonstrate tolerance and acceptance of others’ emotional reactions. For someone to trust and engage during a crisis, they must feel comfortable and psychologically safe (i.e., free of fear when sharing concerns). Tactical empathy involves putting oneself in another’s shoes to understand how best to help them feel safe and supported.
6. Communication
Clear and concise communication is vital during a crisis. Ensuring everyone is informed, aligned, and confident in their roles minimizes confusion and facilitates efficient resolution strategies. It is important to know when to take charge with clear instructions and when to seek input from others.
7. Flexibility
The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is key in crises, allowing individuals and teams to pivot strategies, embrace new ideas, and respond effectively to unexpected challenges. Flexibility requires agility and acceptance that there can be multiple solutions; one’s own way does not always have to prevail.
8. Creativity
Innovative thinking fosters unique solutions to complex problems encountered during crises. This empowers teams to explore alternatives and break through traditional barriers in pursuit of resolution. Looking beyond the edges, stepping back to consider options, and inviting creative ideas without judgment fosters conditions for innovation and problem-solving.
9. Decisiveness
Being capable of making decisions under pressure is crucial, as crises often demand timely actions. Sometimes, there is no option but to make a decision with limited information. A strong foundation in crisis management enhances confidence in decision-making during high-pressure situations.
10. Humility
Acknowledging imperfection and being willing to learn from mistakes is critical. In crises, limited information often means initial solutions may not succeed. Maintaining focus on the desired outcome, rather than on being right or wrong, is essential.
11. Team Player
Collaboration and openness to different perspectives are invaluable during crises. Being skilled at engaging in group-level problem-solving strengthens overall team effectiveness.
12. Calm
The ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations instills confidence in others, facilitating clearer thinking and effective communication. A calm demeanour encourages rational decision-making. Developing emotional literacy skills to regulate emotions under pressure is beneficial.
In addition to crisis readiness training, other types of training—such as communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, decision-making, agility, flexibility, and team building—can help develop these skills. Practical experience also plays a role and can be gained through practice activities, observing skilled professionals, and learning from real-world situations.
Coaching Tips for Employers to Prepare for People Crises
- Provide Training and Resources
Employers should invest in professional development opportunities that prepare teams to deal with crises. This includes providing training programs designed to develop foundational skills in crisis management and addressing core competency gaps. - Commit to Psychological Health and Safety Practices
Committing to psychological health and safety fosters employee well-being, increases productivity, reduces absenteeism and turnover, enhances workplace relationships, improves company reputation, and ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards. It also reduces stress and creates a culture focused on mitigating mental harm and protecting workers from psychosocial hazards and crises. - Crisis Preparedness
Employers can prepare for workplace crises by developing comprehensive crisis response plans, providing ongoing training, fostering open communication, conducting regular risk assessments, ensuring access to mental health resources, creating a supportive culture, and encouraging collaboration to enhance resilience.
