Who likes a crisis?  Who thrives in a crisis environment? Who loves conflict and turmoil?

I know some have suggested that you should never waste a good crisis.  But that is the subject of another topic and another time.  That line of thinking may even be worthy of a “Rant” from fellow blogger, Rene Rivera.  But I would like to consider what can come from crisis and how it may impact your leadership.

It seems to me that perhaps we avoid crises to our own personal and leadership development detriment. I would submit to you that sometimes great leaders emerge and are developed in the crucible of crisis.

Does that mean that as leaders we should always seek out crisis situations?

No, I don’t think so. Extended periods of conflict and crisis can wear down even the most disciplined and the strongest leaders. In fact, in times of great duress, tumult, and uncertainty, we need a refuge. As a leader you have to have moorings from which to anchor.

One of the moorings that leaders must be tied to is confidence. I do not mean self-confidence. But rather the confidence that comes from the ability to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong and then possess the strength and fortitude to do what is right.

Most crises present just such an ultimate decision. As leaders do we do that which is expedient and feels good in the short term? Or do we do that which is right, but may have some short term hardship and sacrifice?

I would say in closing that crisis is the crucible that burns away the fads, the clichés, the inessential and ultimately reveals to us our leadership core.

Photo credit: Dave Wilson Cumbria / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Photo credit: reivax / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA