Coaching for Leaders
701: How to Handle High-Pressure Situations, with Dan Dworkis
Sep 30, 2024
Dan Dworkis, Chief Medical Officer at The Mission Critical Team Institute and author of *The Emergency Mind*, shares insights on thriving under pressure. He emphasizes that emergencies demand a collective mindset, highlighting the importance of clear communication and labeling situations effectively. Dworkis advocates for gradual preparation and self-organization, while also encouraging leaders to embrace humor during 'suboptimal' moments. Lastly, he discusses how maintaining composure, or 'sang-froid,' is a skill that can be cultivated with practice and experience.
39:17
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Quick takeaways
- Emergencies require leaders to shift from standard responses to adaptive strategies, as traditional methods may exacerbate crises.
- Applying graduated pressure during training enhances adaptability and resilience, enabling individuals to perform better in real-life high-stress situations.
Deep dives
Understanding Emergencies
Emergencies are characterized by unique features that set them apart from typical bad days or challenging situations. They are defined by pressure, uncertainty, complexity, and the necessity for immediate action, highlighting that the usual tools and protocols may not apply. Recognizing these traits is crucial for leaders, as failure to adapt can exacerbate the crisis. For instance, what one might consider a standard response, such as making a decision based on available resources, can lead to detrimental outcomes in an emergency setting.
