Crisis Leadership Program

Crisis leaders need to act quickly, despite uncertainty, time pressure, and high stakes. They need to clarify the situation, show empathy, while conveying hope and resoluteness, provide communication and coordination, and mobilize internal as well as external stakeholders. At the same time, they stand in the spotlight of public attention. However, crisis leadership is not only about reacting to situational changes but also about proactively seeking new avenues to shape competitive advantage amid the storm.

Crisis leadership is thus demanding but offers the opportunity to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities.

The crisis management program will cover the following topics:

• What are types of crises, their distinctive profile, and subsequent needs for action?
• How do crises constitute a management task that is significantly different from everyday management?
• What are stages of crises, what is the immediate need for action and at the same time, how can leaders prepare actively for crises?
• What is the distinctive set of managerial and leader behaviors, both cognitive and emotional, to lead your organization through crises?
• How can you as a leader feel prepared and confident to enact in your leadership role, given the prominence of crises?

WHU’s Crisis Leadership Program boosts your capabilities to successfully navigate your organization through crises through an immersive program experience:

• Preparedness and Quick Response: Be prepared to react swiftly and decisively in crises and enhance your decision-making under pressure.
• Team Coordination and Communication: Improve team dynamics and communication, ensuring cohesive and effective team responses to crises.
• Risk Assessment and Management: Identify and mitigate risks, minimizing the impact of crises on operations and stakeholders.
• Maintaining Stakeholder Confidence: Enhance communication and trust-building with internal and external stakeholders, protecting organizational reputation.
• Continuous Improvement: Promote a culture of learning and adaptation, enabling organizations to refine crisis management protocols and practices.

Throughout the program, you will have plenty of opportunities to get feedback from your peers in the classroom.

• Corporate senior professionals who want to prepare themselves for their next leadership challenge.
• Entrepreneurs aiming to prepare their companies for an increased risk of crisis.
• Midsized companies’ top management seeking to increase their companies’ readiness to successfully manage crises.
• Non-business leaders aiming to prepare their institutions for better crisis management.

Participants should have a minimum of 5-8 years of leadership experience.