Last month at Eklund Consulting’s Lunch Break Session (What’s this? See here.), the discussion included the idea of “Panic mode vs. Crisis mode.” This reminded us of the following blog post from February 2012 with introductory thoughts from Nathan Eklund.
“I originally wrote this blog post at a very different space and time for all of us. A time when "crisis mode" likely seemed far more episodic and certainly far less universal. But times have made this old post more germane now than ever. As we navigate the comings and goings of every day, I hope these reflections offer you a chance to reframe how you approach managing uniquely challenging times as well as to seek new ways of approaching how you're able to lean on those around you for support and guidance knowing that the pressures you're feeling are very much real.”
“Sorry I didn’t return your call, but we’ve been in crisis mode.”
“We’d love to (fill in blank with something thoughtful and productive), but we’re in crisis mode over here.”
“I know we need to focus on (fill in the blank with an absolute necessity), but we can’t since we’re in crisis mode.”
We’ve all heard these sorts of comments. We maybe have even uttered them ourselves. The overall notion of “crisis mode” is simply part of our cultural vernacular. But the more I hear it, the less convinced I am that we’re generally using the term correctly. In fact, I think we’ve completely lost sight of the difference between “crisis mode” and “panic mode.”
“Crisis mode” should actually be a positive thing. An actual crisis should trigger a host of strategic, thoughtful, and immediate responses that are entirely focused on the crisis and our survival of it. When my house is on fire, I most definitely want the firefighters to be in crisis mode. If I’m having a heart attack, by all means – please go into crisis mode on my behalf.
But please: do NOT go into panic mode.
If a plane is crashing, the passengers are in panic mode. The pilots are in crisis mode. The difference between the two is astonishing. But for the most part, I think I see people using the term “crisis mode” to describe behavior that has much more to do with panic. In fact, the idea that we’re in a crisis too often gives us carte blanche to behave in a whole range of manners that are counter-productive, sometimes rude and boorish, and seldom beneficial to getting ourselves and others out of the crisis itself.
If you really are in crisis mode, then you should be responding like a pilot. Your heartbeat should actually be slowing down. Your breathing should be deeper. While the noise around you increases, you grow more focused. While everything around you seems to be losing control, you should be gaining it. And by all means, please don’t run out of the cockpit screaming, “WE’RE IN CRISIS MODE!”
If you’ve confused “crisis” for “panic,” it’s time to slow down and begin a series of purposeful interventions directed at ameliorating the stress. This is what mature people and organizations do. They calm down chaos. They swim against the tide of panicky shenanigans and act reasonably. And they by all means, know when it is the right time to be in crisis mode.
If you would like to join us for the next Lunch Break Session on December 11th, 2020 at 11am CST, please register here.