Crisis Management 101: Whisper When the World Shouts

A note to young leaders.

Lessons from my father.

In my late twenties, I was discussing a business crisis with my father. As the discussion progressed, I was becoming more agitated and my voice was getting louder.

Dad’s replies became gradually softer, until his voice was almost a whisper.

“Why are you whispering?”, I asked.

“I’m trying to calm you down. You are about to make a big decision. The bigger the decision, the softer and calmer your voice should be.”

“In situations that don’t really matter, you can be as excited as you like – let off as much steam as you want. But in a crisis, the stakes are already high, you don’t need amplification.”

The bigger the crisis, the softer and gentler your voice should be.