Crisis Leadership

I’m CEO, but come on, I just work here!

November 8, 2018
Q. I’m tired of caving to the ‘You were in charge when this bad thing happened so you need to take responsibility’ mentality and apologizing for things I realistically have no control over. Look, I oversee 100 people and can’t be everywhere at once. How do I state this without seeming like I’m weak?

The business meeting that got stunningly truthful

July 4, 2018
The company I was working for was in trouble, and everyone seemed to know it. Bonuses stopped; goals weren’t met. People were nervous.

The dark moment that may define you

May 1, 2018
Here are Morey Stettner’s simple action steps so that one day—hopefully no time soon—we can be of immense value to a staff searching for answers and comfort.

Fight through adversity with shared sacrifice

February 12, 2018

“During the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009, we had about 18 employees. We went through the entire financial crisis without laying off anyone.”

Steer your team through a crisis

December 4, 2017

Leaders step up in a crisis. Their calm, sturdy attitude boosts everyone’s spirits as they lurch toward a solution. To maintain grace under pressure, start by framing the situation clearly. Explain the crisis to employees in simple terms.

When thrust into power, seek support

October 10, 2017
“I became a stronger leader by having experienced tragedy. You grieve, you provide reassurance to your team and you get through it.”

In over your head? Admit it

October 9, 2017
Soon after Philip Krim co-founded his company, Casper, success turned to stress. But rather than panic, he’s engaging in open, honest communication with his 300 employees—and the public.

Defeating that moment of dire stress

August 29, 2017
Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger gained fame by remaining calm under extreme duress. Reflecting on his childhood, Sully credits his father for it.

Get past mishaps with updates

May 3, 2017
Dan O’Sullivan was riding the subway in Boston when the train suddenly stopped. At first, his annoyance spiked. Then he was impressed.

The psychology of the Oscars disaster

April 25, 2017
Catastrophic failures aren’t usually caused by one or two big mess-ups but by a series of cascading errors. So it was at this year’s Academy Awards, where a number of factors contributed to the wrong movie being announced as Best Picture.