The Public Leadership Through Crisis blog series aims to provide insights for leaders grappling with how to navigate and respond to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

During times of public crisis, governments play a pivotal role as individuals look to them for assistance and collective action. However, leaders of public organizations often find themselves questioning their preparedness and ability to effectively manage the multitude of tasks that crises entail, particularly in governments with limited capability or undergoing capacity-building efforts.

In many ways, leaders in such situations feel akin to captains steering small boats through turbulent seas. They are confronted with high winds and big waves, unsure of how to guide their teams safely to shore. To address this challenge, the blog series aims to explore the concept of public leadership during crises.

At a time when the COVID-19 crisis is affecting countries worldwide, the focus of the series is not on prescribing policy responses but rather on offering insights into how leaders can organize their responses effectively. Drawing on principles of communication, coordination, and self-management, the series aims to provide practical guidance for navigating crises.

Each blog post will present clear ideas and citations for further reference, with a maximum of four ideas per post. Rather than offering definitive answers, the posts will pose questions for reflection, encouraging readers to engage in honest and contextual introspection.

To kick off the series, the first post delves into the mindset of a public leader facing a crisis. Drawing on insights from Nancy Koehn’s book “Forged in Crisis: The Power of Courageous Leadership in Turbulent Times,” the post explores key themes such as:

  • The importance of a ‘worthy mission’ or ‘mission of decency’ to drive leaders through crises.
  • The shift from self-interest to public interest as a hallmark of effective public leadership.
  • The inevitability of doubts and fears in leadership roles, and strategies for overcoming them.
  • The role of leaders in inspiring others to overcome personal limitations and achieve collective goals.

Through these discussions, the series aims to empower leaders to navigate crises with resilience and determination. By reflecting on their own experiences and learning from the lessons of others, leaders can steer their organizations through turbulent waters and emerge stronger on the other side.