Leadership in Times of Crisis, Chaos, and Change

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm." — Publilius Syrus

Leadership is never easy, but when times are good and the path is clear, it can feel more like a well-practiced routine than a genuine challenge. The true measure of leadership is revealed in times of crisis, chaos, and change.  

I had the privilege of teaching an MBA capstone course based on this very topic for several years to the next generation of Masters of the Universe at the City University of New York. Drawing on my experiences as a Paramedic, Police Officer, Deep-Sea Rescue Diver, and Special Forces Soldier – not to mention my time helping organizations ranging from Fortune 50 companies to startups keep the ship afloat – I’ve learned that extraordinary leaders need to navigate seven key principles — the "Seven C's" of Leadership — to guide their organizations through turbulent times.

1. Communication

In a crisis, communication is the lifeblood of leadership. Clear, concise, and consistent communication builds trust and keeps everyone aligned. Leaders need to provide a vision that people can rally behind, but they also need to create feedback loops. Listening becomes just as important as speaking. By opening channels of communication, leaders can foster a sense of inclusion and ensure that all voices are heard, especially during times of uncertainty.

Pro Tip for Leaders: Always err on the side of over-communication. In times of chaos, silence breeds fear and rumor. Make sure you are accessible, transparent, and empathetic in every message you deliver.

2. Control

When everything feels out of control, people naturally look to their leaders for stability. Maintaining control is not about being a micromanager; rather, it’s about giving your team a sense of direction and reassurance that the situation is manageable. This also means controlling your emotions and reactions. Leaders who remain calm in the storm provide a stabilizing influence that allows others to maintain their focus and effectiveness.

Pro Tip for Leaders: Practice self-control first. When you're visibly composed, your team will follow suit. Your behavior sets the emotional tone for the organization.

3. Creativity

Crises often call for solutions that are far from ordinary. Leaders who thrive in chaos are those who are able to think creatively, pivot quickly, and find innovative ways to solve problems. This means encouraging your team to challenge conventional thinking, explore new perspectives, and approach problems with a mindset that welcomes experimentation.

Pro Tip for Leaders: Foster a culture where creativity is encouraged, and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. In extraordinary times, bold ideas can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

4. Clarity

In uncertain times, people crave direction. Clarity gives them a sense of purpose and focus. As a leader, you must cut through the noise, identify what truly matters, and communicate those priorities effectively. This is about simplifying complex situations and providing a roadmap that everyone can understand and act on.

Pro Tip for Leaders: Avoid jargon or ambiguity. Be explicit about goals, expectations, and the path forward. Your team should know exactly where you're heading and what their role is in getting there.

5. Caring

In the face of adversity, your team members are not just employees or colleagues; they are human beings dealing with their own stresses and challenges. Genuine care for their well-being fosters loyalty and inspires them to go above and beyond. Empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial in crises when people often operate outside their comfort zones.

Pro Tip for Leaders: Take the time to ask your team how they're doing — and truly listen. Offer support where you can, whether that’s flexibility in their work or simply acknowledging their efforts.

6. Calm

Maya Angelou nailed it when she said, 'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Not only will it reassure your team, setting a tone by having your sh… “stuff” together also sets the stage for rational, clear-headed decision-making. When leaders remain calm, they inspire confidence and help others navigate the challenges without panicking.

Pro Tip for Leaders: Cultivate practices that help you maintain composure under pressure, whether it’s through mindfulness, meditation, strategic delegation, or focusing on one challenge at a time. Calm is contagious.

7. Consistency

Finally, a leader’s words and actions must align. Consistency builds credibility and trust. When people know what to expect from their leader, it reduces uncertainty and helps them feel more secure, even when everything else is changing. Being consistent in your decision-making, values, and follow-through provides a sense of stability that’s especially vital during turbulent times.

Pro Tip for Leaders: Be consistent in your leadership style but flexible in your approach to problems. While you may need to adapt your strategies, your core principles should remain steady.

Leading through a crisis, chaos, and change is never easy. It requires a special blend of resilience, adaptability, and empathy. But by mastering the Seven C's — Communication, Control, Creativity, Clarity, Caring, Calm, and Consistency — leaders can not only weather the storm but also bring their teams out the other side stronger, more united, and ready for the future.

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