A crisis created by people can be handled, mitigated, and typically avoided in the future. A crisis arising from an accident or unforeseen circumstance can also sometimes be prevented in the future.
Recall that a crisis is something that is life-threatening, can cause injury or harm to a person, or can cause harm to business. Just because something is urgent does not mean it is a crisis.
A crisis occurs when the issue or request is both urgent and important/related to our work, goals, and organization mission. When a request is both urgent and important, we are faced with determining whether a time-certain scheduled action is needed or whether we need to drop-everything to address the request now.
Adding items to our project list because we have determined a request is important (fulfills our goals/mission) includes adding a due-date. I suggest that when you are adding an item to your to-do list, it includes Who is going to do What by When!
Without the who/what/when details there is not clarity on your duties nor on when you will need to schedule the added work.
With the who/what/when details you are better able to manage your existing workload when adding new items to your own to-do list.
Here are some examples of creating crisis (that didn’t have to happen).
- Falling behind on work and not communicating the fact can lead to a failed project.
- Not knowing how to complete a task and not asking for help to learn how to do the task can lead to missed deadlines and failed projects.
- Coming to work sick…need I say more given the times we are living in during 2020?
- Saying YES to so many projects that none of them are done well and that some of them turn into crisis.
What is your team treating as a crisis that really isn’t?
What do you expect your team to treat as a crisis? Do they know this?
Are your teams creating crisis? Would you like a solution? Let’s visit. Jana 208-367-1701 As the author of seven books, three of which are on use of time and decision-making, Jana has been interviewed by U.S., Canadian, and European programs, and magazines.
Workplace – the Blog: Managing the moments of our day-to-day business lives takes work. Together, let’s explore what issues and activities affect us every day (or some days) that we go to work.