Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field in the first quarter of the Buffalo/Cincinnati “Monday Night Football” game. He suffered cardiac arrest and he is now (at time of posting) in critical condition.

Players knelt, cried and prayed. Fans stood up quietly and prayed. Sports commentators showed shock and emotion.

What struck my husband, Jimmy, and me as we watched this terrifying situation unfold:

• Fact 1: This matchup is considered the biggest regular-season game in the 22-year history of Paycor Stadium.
• Fumble Fact 1: Priorities can change in an instant.
• Fact 2: Practice, preparation and performance create positive outcomes. These teams were ready to play.
• Fumble Fact 2: Real-time trumps real-plans.
• Fact 3: Two teams play a game and one team wins.
• Fumble Fact 3: Rules change depending on situational context.

How this traumatic situation relates to you

As speakers and leaders you experience critical fumbles too.

Here are some crisis management guidelines when let’s say … a pandemic strikes, a tornado destroys your building, or an attendee at your meeting faints:

1. Communicate with your team. All of a sudden the Bills and Bengals were no longer rivals. The coaches conferred. The players from both sides united.
2. Listen. Get the facts as they unfold.
3. Follow your mission/value statement. Take the action steps that you’ve already defined for your business.
4. Have perspective and weigh the options. “Monday Night Football” postponed the game. Damar Hamlin’s health crisis became more important.

In business and life you play the game and you give the presentation you’ve prepared for.

And when those fumbles happen, you stop, prioritize, find perspective, communicate, listen and go in a different direction.

#Communication  #KarenCortellReisman  #SpeakForYourself   #CommunicationFumbles

Photo Copyright: <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/profile_andreadams1974′>andreadams1974</a>