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Last updated on Nov 25, 2024
  1. All
  2. Public Administration
  3. Emergency Management

Your team is facing a crisis scenario. How do you support members who freeze under pressure?

In a crisis, supporting your team is crucial. Here are strategies to help those who freeze:

  • Establish trust: Reassure your team you're there to help them through the challenge.

  • Encourage small steps: Break down tasks to make them more manageable under pressure.

  • Offer training: Regularly simulate stress scenarios to build confidence and resilience.

How do you assist team members who struggle under stress? Your insights are valued.

Emergency Management Emergency Management

Emergency Management

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Last updated on Nov 25, 2024
  1. All
  2. Public Administration
  3. Emergency Management

Your team is facing a crisis scenario. How do you support members who freeze under pressure?

In a crisis, supporting your team is crucial. Here are strategies to help those who freeze:

  • Establish trust: Reassure your team you're there to help them through the challenge.

  • Encourage small steps: Break down tasks to make them more manageable under pressure.

  • Offer training: Regularly simulate stress scenarios to build confidence and resilience.

How do you assist team members who struggle under stress? Your insights are valued.

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Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
7 answers
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    Brian Kamoie

    Managing Director at Deloitte

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    You can support team members who freeze under pressure by acknowledging their stress, reassuring them that you are there to support them, reminding them that they are capable and can succeed, and focusing them on the next step or task that they can complete. By breaking down a complex situation into smaller, achievable steps, you will help your team member build momentum and overcome their fear. After the crisis has passed, you can have a thorough after-action discussion. Listen to what your team member says about what was helpful (and what was not). You can also offer training and exercises that will allow your team member to perform in lower-risk situations that will help the individual prepare for the next crisis.

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    Kesley Richardson, DPA, MPH, CEM, FPEM, MEMS-M

    Researcher in Public Admin and EM/ Emergency Manager / Bill Anderson Research Alumni / AHEC Scholar Alumni / 40 under 40 (2x)

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    Your teammates and colleague breathe under pressure in the emergency scenario. I like to try to refocus I try to get them to focus and fixing on one particular thing that’s within their control that they can handle and encourage them while increasing their confidence. We are in the middle of a crisis scenario at this point in time is too late at this point in time as possible we should’ve been done so I tried to use a model behavior and has been focused on achievable task and build up once upon a time.

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    Patrick Nielander, MSM

    District Supervisor

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    After the crisis, I would help them find a more suitable career. High pressure performance professions are not fitting for everyone.

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    Matt Richards

    Life throws curveballs. I help you, your business and family to dodge the financial ones | Life Cover | Income Protection | Critical Illness | Shareholder Protection| Key Person Cover | Personal & Business Protection|

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    Stay calm and lead. Break the problem into clear steps and give people specific actions to focus on. Confidence is contagious, so set the tone. Support them, but don’t let panic spread. The goal is simple. keep moving forward.

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    Brian Dufresne

    Director of Information Technology Services (ITS), Director of Infrastructure Technology Services (ITS)

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    In a crisis, support team members who freeze by maintaining calm, clear leadership. Assign manageable tasks to re-engage them, breaking work into small, actionable steps. Provide direct guidance, ensuring they understand priorities and expectations. Foster a supportive environment, reassuring them that mistakes are learning opportunities. Encourage teamwork so they don’t feel isolated. If needed, offer quick coaching on stress management techniques like deep breathing. Lead by example, demonstrating composure and adaptability. By providing structure and support, you help them regain confidence and contribute effectively.

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    Crystal Bandie

    Experienced Program Director | Experienced in Property Management | Supporting Individuals with Mental Health Diagnoses | Passionate About Empowering Individuals & Strengthening Communities

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    In a crisis, supporting team members who freeze under pressure involves staying calm and reassuring them that feeling overwhelmed is okay. I would assist them in breaking the problem into smaller tasks, offer guidance, and encourage teamwork. Reminding them of past successes can help boost confidence. Providing emotional support and creating a safe space to manage stress are also essential for helping them move forward.

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