Good Management Practice in Crises

Leading During Times of Crisis, Lynn Rolston and Denise McNerney
Although not written for the humanitarian aid industry, this brief article offers some helpful suggestions for managers facing unpredictible events. As stated in the article, Rolston and McNerney argue that there are "four elements to leading in times of crisis. These include (1) being visible and available, (2) communicating supportively, carefully and regularly, (3) controlling one's behavior and reactions, and (4) giving the situation perspective to create alignment." Each is discussed in more detail along with suggestions about how to apply the principles in the workplace.

Leading in a Time of Crisis, Novartis
This small booklet was written by and for Novartis Pharmaceuticals in the aftermath of September 11. It provides a good overview of subjects like resilience and coping with trauma as well as some specific tips for managers who find themselves in a crisis situation.

Leading Your Workforce During Wartime, Gregory P. Smith
Written to coincide with the launch of the US war on Iraq, the author, a former Army officer, provides 10 suggestions for managers during a war. Not all suggestions will be applicable to the humanitarian aid community, but his emphasis on targeting fears and anxiety, cultivating a calm and compassionate leadership style and open communication have universal applicability in situations on ongoing disruption, insecurity, and crisis.

FROM THE COCKPIT: Lessons in Leading Through Crisis, Eileen McDargh
Another piece designed for the private sector, but with useful advice about how trustworthy leaders tell the truth and respond consistently in times of crisis.

Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance Stress Management Training, Pan American Health Organization - Click on STRESS MANAGEMENT under TRAINING
This powerpoint presentation reviews a system that incorporates a team approach to get an impacted worker back to work after a critical incident.

Bringing your debriefers home after a disaster: Debriefing the debriefers, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
This article offers a structured approach to debriefing that may help reduce the effects of a disaster on team members.


Stress Management in Crisis Situations

Managing the Stress of Humanitarian Emergencies, UNHCR
This guide is focused on stress management in humanitarian emergencies with particular reference to those serving in the field as managers and team leaders.

Providing Support for Red Cross Volunteers and Other Humanitarian Workers Following a Security Incident or a Disaster, Red Cross
A Red Cross support officer reviews techniques employed during a particular incident where several colleagues of aid workers were murdered, and discusses the importance of such techniques in a general context. Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Personnel, Headington Institute, Learning Center
The Headington Institute has established a learning center to provide valuable resources on psychological and spiritual support for humanitarian aid and disaster relief personnel worldwide. Review this information to understand what your staff members are experiencing in a crisis situation, and use the information when discussing coping mechanisms. When you visit the learning center, you'll find articles that are geared specifically toward stress in aid workers and disaster relief workers, as well as links to additional resources that are useful for field workers, office workers, and family members. Also, be sure to browse the concise and helpful tip sheets for self-care.

Psychosocial Policy and Practice in Social and Humanitarian Crises, United Nations
This handbook discusses interventions for a variety of populations who have experienced traumatic events in developing countries with poor or no mental health infrastructure. A highlight for managers is a discussion on interventions for field staff experiencing mission-related stress. Further, it identifies strategies that can be employed to mitigate the effects of such events.

Post Incident Reactions, APS Healthcare
If you are a manager concerned for your staff (or a staff member who has just endured a traumatic event), this document may help you identify with symptoms that may be present. Also listed are some simple yet effective tips for recovery.

Critical Incident Stress Information Sheet, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
Review this information sheet to learn the signs and signals of a stress reaction, and things to try to help alleviate symptoms.

Supporting Your Employees Through Fear, Uncertainty, and Crisis, FGI World
This set of tips is a quick read and an important reminder of what managers need to keep in mind as they provide leadership in crisis situations.

Aid Workers Network
The Aidworkers Network website is a window to information as well as conversation. Learn the best ways to support your staff by reviewing and sharing the information on this site with your staff. You can also use the forum to solicit input for specific issues or contribute your thoughts to a particular topic.

Personal Health and Critical Incident Stress
Supporting Front Line Staff: Stress and Trauma Management (forum)

Documents You Can Distribute to Your Staff

Taking Care of Yourself, APS Healthcare
It's important for you to support your staff in taking care of their health, not only during critical events, but every day during their tenure. In addition, it's important to help offer them ways of taking care of themselves upon re-entry. This document offers a guide to simple ways of caring for one's physical and mental health; how to recognize normal symptoms of critical incident stress; and ways to decompress once the assignment is complete.


Research

ICRC's Risks Associated with the Psychological Adjustment of Humanitarian Aid Workers, Australian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies
This article addresses the fact that contemporary humanitarian aid personnel are at risk of experiencing traumatic and daily cumulative stress. Eleven areas of situational and individual risk are proposed that are likely to have applicability across different contexts, countries and people. Psychological adjustment, medical health and staff security are discussed in relation to each of these factors and ways of promoting safety and wellbeing outlined.

International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
For a thoroughly developed information on critical incident stress and crisis intervention, be sure to browse the many articles and research reports on the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation website. The links below provide some terrific examples of literature that will familiarize you with the subject matter and engage you in the debate over best practices in the world of critical incident stress interventions.

Five Principles of Crisis Intervention: Reducing the Risk of Premature Intervention
Crisis Intervention and Critical Incident Stress Management: A defense of the field
Psychological Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A review