7 Informative Ways For Leading In The Wake Of Crisis

LINKS TO CONTENT
ToggleWhen disaster strikes—whether it’s a natural disaster, business setback, or personal tragedy—how do we lead? It’s easy to feel powerless or overwhelmed, but the true strength of leadership emerges in how we show up during moments of uncertainty and how we lead in the wake of crisis.
I was reminded of this truth during the recent Los Angeles fires. Even though my community wasn’t directly impacted, the tension in the air was undeniable. Life continued, but with an undercurrent of fear and chaos. Like many of us during crises, I found myself uncertain about how to navigate the disconnect between business responsibilities and the overwhelming need for emotional connection in the face of tragedy.
At that moment, I realized that leadership is not about perfect plans or having all the answers. It’s about how we show up, empathize, and lead with humanity. This principle applies not only in moments of disaster but in every moment of uncertainty we face as leaders.
Crisis is disorienting. When everything around us feels unstable, it’s easy to freeze, panic, or feel paralyzed by our own uncertainty. I remember logging into a virtual meeting with a group of women leaders in the midst of those fires. I felt completely disconnected, like it was impossible to focus on anything outside of the chaos surrounding me. But when one of the women suggested we open the meeting with a prayer for those affected, it was like a weight lifted. It gave us permission to be vulnerable, to acknowledge the crisis, and to connect deeply as humans.
The answer in those moments is not to act like everything is “normal” or pretend we have everything under control. The answer is to acknowledge the shock, lead with empathy, and create spaces where people feel heard and supported.
Here are seven strategies for leading in crisis, drawing from personal experience and leadership insights:
From these strategies, it’s clear: leadership in times of crisis is not about having all the answers but about showing up with empathy, vulnerability, and clarity. By naming the emotions we’re all experiencing, acknowledging the shock, and building community, we can help ourselves and others move through crisis with greater resilience.
Crisis will always be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to break us. By embracing these principles, we can turn moments of turmoil into opportunities for growth and connection. As leaders, we are called to lead not just with authority, but with humanity—showing that in times of crisis, our greatest strength lies in our collective ability to face uncertainty together.
***
To follow Rúna, sign up to her TruePower Newsletter for transformative and future focused leadership insights and inspiration.
According to recent studies, public sector organizations face a crisis on average every few months, whether it’s a natural disaster, a cyber-attack, or a public health emergency. This is alarming and highlights a significant problem: many leaders in the public sector feel unprepared when a crisis strikes. Effective crisis leadership…
In "Leadership"
What the SAS taught me about leadership Who dares win… But not always!: The founder of the SAS, David Stirling, was convinced that small groups of soldiers involved in covert operations were more effective than whole platoons. He also realised he had a job to reach, let alone convince, the…
In "Leadership"
Reflecting on Endings and Leadership I recently explored the themes of death and endings, framed through the loss of a loved one and the lessons this holds for leadership. Little did I know that these reflections would soon gain new resonance in the wake of the U.S. presidential election results.…
In "Leadership"
Rúna Bouius is a dynamic visionary and thought leader who empowers forward-thinking leaders and organizations to excel amidst the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.
Drawing upon her extensive experience as a CEO and serial entrepreneur from Iceland, Rúna combines sharp business acumen with profound wisdom and an unwavering passion for redefining power and leadership. She expertly guides her clients through transformative journeys, unlocking their deepest purpose and potential for growth and positive impact.
As the founder of the True Power Institute, host of the TruePower Executive Roundtable, and co-founder of social impact initiatives, Rúna sparks transformative possibilities through coaching, facilitation, and speaking engagements. Co-author of the international bestseller “The Successful Mind,” Rúna is also a member of the AcornOak platform for Fractional Executive Women, dedicated to empowering leaders worldwide.