Consider the leadership characteristics you think are the most important, as well as those you find to be ineffective or detrimental, when responding to a crisis.
Describe two important leadership characteristics of good leadership under “normal” situations and compare those two characteristics with two important characteristics of good leadership in a crisis response.
Describe two destructive leadership practices that can interfere with an effective crisis response.
Identify the leadership positions of developmental disabilities service coordinator and team manager for developmental disabilities service coordinator.
Describe two leadership skills you would use as a developmental disabilities service coordinator, and whether you feel ready to take on this role, and why (or why not).
Sample Answer
Effective and Ineffective Leadership in Normal and Crisis Situations
Leadership Characteristics in Normal vs. Crisis Situations
In "normal" or day-to-day situations, good leadership often hinges on consistency, predictability, and long-term vision. Two important characteristics for this context are:
Strategic Vision and Planning: A good leader in a normal situation is adept at looking ahead, setting long-term goals, and creating a detailed roadmap to achieve them. They are able to communicate this vision to their team, ensuring everyone understands their role in the big picture. This characteristic fosters a sense of purpose and stability, allowing the organization to grow and innovate over time.
Empowerment and Delegation: In a stable environment, effective leaders build trust by empowering their team members. They delegate responsibilities, providing the necessary resources and autonomy for employees to develop their skills and take ownership of their work. This not only builds a more resilient and skilled team but also frees up the leader to focus on higher-level strategic issues.
In a crisis, the rules of leadership change dramatically. The focus shifts from long-term planning to immediate action and rapid decision-making. Two important characteristics for crisis leadership are: