RSS

Media Releases from members of Sources.
To submit a news release, use this form.


So You Think It's Easy to Lead During a Crisis?

May 30, 2010

Decision-making and leading during a major crisis - such as the current catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico - is difficult and stressful for a leader. George W. Bush probably went through a period on 9/11 and the immediate aftermath where he was uncertain of how to proceed. How could anyone be prepared for that? I think the same thing happened during Katrina, and was compounded by the obvious jurisdictional issues. I think it's easy to downplay such influencing factors on the decision process. As for Obama, I believe he's having a similar moment. We won't know for a while if he can improve his style and ability to act, but for now I think he's still trying to figure out what needs to be done and the best way to proceed.

As a former military officer, I have been in life and death situations that required immediate response and robust leadership, though certainly not with anywhere near the same level of responsibility, so I can sympathize to a certain extent with a leader in this context. All leaders go through periods of withdrawal and questioning, even the great ones. Churchill had numerous depressive episodes thoughout his career, and especially during the Second World War. Stalin reportedly became extremely depressed for a few days after the German invasion and withdraw into a cocoon. Once he got over it, he was able to take charge of the situation again, though I'm certainly not advocating imitating him in the detail.

Richard Martin is founder and president of Alcera Consulting Inc. He brings his military and business leadership experience to bear for executives and organizations seeking to exploit change, maximize opportunity, and minimize risk.

For more information contact:
Richard Martin
Phone: 514.453.3993

Click here to view our Sources Listing:

Richard Martin


Topics:



    Information and Media Resources from Sources
Main News Release page Media releases from clients of the Sources media relations service.
Sources Calendar Check out newsworthy events from across Canada.
Sources Directory Search the Sources directory of experts, contacts and media spokespersons. Find how to include yourself in Sources.
Publish your news releases Sources can help you distribute your media releases
Media Names & Numbers Directory of Canada's print and broadcast media.
Parliamentary Names & Numbers Full contact information for government, political parties, lobbyists, and embassies.

Sources home page