Bonus resource - A Survival Kit for High-Pressure Professionals
In the world of high-stakes leadership, crises are an inevitable part of the journey. I've seen firsthand how these intense situations test the most seasoned professionals. Today, I want to share some insights on managing crises effectively and maintaining resilience, drawing on a particularly challenging event in my life as a staffer to a federal politician.
The Day Everything Changed:
It was a typical chilly morning in Canberra, the air crisp and the sky a crystal clear blue. This was just another standard sitting day in Parliament. Our office was busy as usual with staff members shuffling papers and prepping for the day's events, the customary last minute changes to speaking spots adding some intensity to the air. The smell of strong coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the hum of clacking keyboards, hushed conversations and the occasional ring of a phone.
Our Boss, poised and composed, had entered the Chamber ready to deliver a speech. In the world of parliamentary speeches, this was just another speech he had been asked to step into at the last minute. Nothing too unusual about that.
The atmosphere walking through the corridors was the usual parliamentary buzz – a mix of anticipation and underlying tension. As usual, our team gathered around the television in the office to listen to the speech. Our Boss's words flowed with confidently and with conviction, it was a topic he was passionate about.
Then, without warning, the scene in the Chamber shifted dramatically.
A colleague from across the aisle stood up, their face stern, voice cutting through the murmur like a sharp blade. With a few pointed words, they interjected, hurling distressing accusations at our Boss. The Chamber, usually abuzz with whispers and side conversations, fell into an eerie silence.
Back in our office, we stood frozen, eyes fixed on the screen. The room, once filled with the routine sounds of a busy office, was now enveloped in a stunned hush. The only sound was the steady voice of the accuser, each word landing like a hammer blow. Our Boss's expression, once confident, shifted to one of disbelief and dismay.
In those moments, the air seemed to thicken, heavy with shock and uncertainty. Colleagues exchanged bewildered glances, searching for reassurance in each other’s eyes. The political landscape as we knew it was shifting beneath our feet. What had begun as a routine day had spiralled into a crisis of monumental proportions, a crisis that would test our resolve, our loyalty, and our ability to navigate the storm that was about to engulf us all.
Managing the Crisis:
Rapid Response and Team Coordination:
Immediate Assembly: The crisis necessitated an immediate assembly of our core team. This meeting was critical to assess the situation and brainstorm potential responses.
Strategic Task Allocation: Recognising the unique strengths of each team member, tasks were thoughtfully assigned.
Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: The situation was fluid, requiring us to continuously monitor developments and adapt our strategy accordingly. Regular check-ins with the team ensured everyone was aligned and updated, but more importantly that everyone was ok and were seeking the support they needed.
Personal note – this makes it sound like we were very clever and had our sh*t together. And we did. But we also had moments of complete dismay, frustration, questioning, anxiety and emptiness. The emotional rollercoaster the entire team went through was hectic. But we kept adapting and kept talking. We each accepted our emotions and the challenges of the situation, but also kept slogging away at the tasks required to steer this storm. Very proud of our team and the way they responded.
Support for the Boss:
Professional Guidance and Emotional Support: My boss was understandably shaken by the revelations. Our immediate priority was to offer both professional guidance and emotional support. We discussed potential public statements and strategies for damage control.
Empathetic Leadership: Demonstrating empathy was crucial. Acknowledging the personal impact on my boss while maintaining a professional stance helped in navigating this delicate situation.
Balancing Empathy with Strategy: It was a fine line to walk between offering emotional support and ensuring that we did not lose sight of the strategic requirements of the situation. This balance was crucial for leading effectively through the crisis.
Personal note – nope, not gonna talk about the case. But I would like to say how much courage and vulnerability my Boss displayed through this storm. So often senior executives think they have to shield their emotional experiences from their leadership team, we were fortunate to witness his emotions and acceptance of support offered.
Avoiding Burnout:
Maintaining Perspective:
Long-Term View: Despite the immediate pressures, I constantly reminded myself to take a long-term view of the situation. Understanding that the crisis was a temporary phase helped maintain focus and effectiveness.
Rational Approach: I strived to remain rational, avoiding getting swept up in the emotional turmoil. This helped in making more grounded and thought-out decisions. I will at this point admit that I didn’t hold it together all the time. There were several moments were the situation was overwhelming, my natural response is to go into ‘freeze’. Not super productive in the middle of a crisis with staff needing direction. But I was gentle on myself, accepted my response and attended to my won self care. Then went back to being rational and objective. Sometimes this was all in the space of 3 secs, other times 3 days while we faced some of the bigger unknowns.
Self-Care and Boundaries:
Integrating Breaks: Despite the demands of the situation, integrating short breaks into the day was non-negotiable. Whether it was a quick walk around the block or a few minutes of solitude, these moments allowed me to regain my composure.
Physical Well-being: Maintaining my exercise routine wasn’t just about physical health; it was a critical part of my mental well-being. It provided an outlet for stress and helped keep my mind clear.
Setting Limits: Recognising the signs of fatigue and setting limits was important. It meant sometimes stepping away from the situation to regain perspective.
Seeking Support:
Relying on Personal Support Systems: Turning to my partner and family provided a much-needed personal support system. They offered a listening ear and a comforting presence outside the high-pressure environment.
Professional Network: I also reached out to my network of professional peers. Their insights and shared experiences were invaluable, offering both practical advice and moral support.
The Power of a Trusted Circle: Having a trusted circle to share the burden with made a significant difference. It offered a sense of solidarity and an external perspective that was crucial during this time.
Crisis management, especially in high-pressure roles, is as much about managing oneself as it is about managing the situation. The experience as Chief of Staff during that turbulent time taught me valuable lessons about resilience, leadership, and the importance of maintaining a holistic perspective. For all the leaders and high performers out there, remember, it's not just about weathering the storm but also about coming out stronger on the other side.
For more insights and guidance on navigating high-pressure situations and maintaining peak performance, feel free to reach out or follow my blog for regular updates. Together, we can turn challenges into stepping stones for success.