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Organizational Events: How do leaders respond?

May 16, 2010
Organizational Events

When a serious or significant organizational event occurs emotions run high.  Most leaders are not able to contain their feelings.  Leaders throw “I think” and “I believe” around as the gospel and the truth is distorted.  Leaders should remain calm and begin an investigation.  Read more about managing feelings by clicking here. 

How is this done?

 1.   Remind yourself of your role.  As the leader your job is to conduct the investigation.  Get your emotions and opinions in check.  You are the Chief Calming Officer.  Remaining unbiased and neutral is the name of the game.

 2.   Develop an investigation process.  The process must be thorough.  List the questions that need answered.  Begin with the issue and end with everyone involved reviewing, agreeing and signing off on the investigation report.

3.   Develop a documentation template.  The template keeps you focused on facts.  It lends consistency and results in a final report of the event.

 How do you respond to significant events?

3 Comments
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3 Comments

  1. Shawn K. Jordan  •  May 17, 2010 @8:01 am

    It isn’t always easy to control emotions. Especially when those around you are exerting high emotional actions. I have learned that remaining calm, stepping away from the situation and taking time to digest the situation helps me to focus on what needs to be done. I also keep detailed documentation to aid in reflection of situations. This makes for a well-rounded perspective and direct focus.

  2. Leeann Sammons  •  May 17, 2010 @8:43 am

    Shawn, awareness is the first step. Putting some time between the event and reacting to it allows the leader to manage the situation based on fact and not emotions.

  3. Kendall L. Stewart  •  May 17, 2010 @7:20 pm

    Shawn, I like your idea of keeping detailed documentation.
    These documents not only encourage the safe expression of feelings (so long as they are private), but they support our memories in the future.

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