Crisis defined
"Follow the dictionary example when defining things for your people." Colonel Rob Campbell
If you’ve read my books, you know me as a definition man. It is from my military upbringing. Definitions strip away the ambiguity around giving directives. They provide common ground and understanding for everyone. They provide the needed clarity subordinates and collaborators seek. Definitions can be remarkably effective in simplifying things for people. And, in times of crisis, clarity and simplification are paramount.
A book about crisis begs an explanation of what crisis is. In the opening pages of Left and Right of the Boom, I start with clarity, defining and understanding crisis. Words matter, especially a word like “crisis” and especially when spoken by a leader. Words like “tragedy,” “setback,” “crisis,” and “scandal” are as important as the crisis itself.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines “crisis” as “a state of affairs in which a decisive change for better or worse is imminent; a turning point … A situation or period characterized by intense difficulty, insecurity, or danger, either in the public sphere or in one’s personal life; a sudden emergency situation.”
Heavy stuff — imminent, requiring decisive change.
Merriam-Webster defines crisis as “an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending” and “a situation that has reached a critical phase.”
In a crisis, words and clarity are important for two reasons. First, they shift the thinking of leaders and employees. When words like “crisis” are spoken, they capture (or should capture) the attention of people as if shouting “Stop!” or “Freeze!” Second, the words chosen and articulated during a crisis could (and often should) initiate some form of significant action or drastic change. When I used the word “crisis” in the organizations I led, my intent was to capture the attention of my people, to cause a collective and momentary pause, and to put everyone on high alert. “Crisis” — the very word signaled a change demanding everyone’s attention. My people knew the stakes were high. We would pull out all the stops. I was — as I recommend you be — judicious with this word, as I knew it could radically alter our course. In your leadership, be serious, intentional, and know the implications and ramifications of announcing a crisis.
Left and Right of the Boom is several years in the making. I returned to the battlefield of Afghanistan and to my small businesses to capture my successes, failures and lessons to benefit you. Go here to preorder my book. You can put one in your hands or on your computer screen this July. Boom!
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell