LEADERSHIP IN CRISIS AND COMBAT SCENARIOS

Abstract

Situations of risk and uncertainty are characterized by dynamic and unpredictable contexts in which the group and the leader must be able to adapt to new situations, to balance the scales and to cope with their own stress reactions and this means empowering the emotional intelligence of leaders and members of the staff. In this context of risk and uncertainty, leaders are considered most effective if they act promptly and decisively without projecting their own stress on their subordinates. Our case study is based on a military operation in which participated a detachment of instructors whose mission was extremely complex as it involved: the participation in the process of building up and operationalizing a new army force, the training of the tank battalion and the mechanized battalion of the national army and also the inspection and the maintenance of the technical equipment of the two battalions. Achieving efficiency in crisis management is determined by strong communication skills and that means to explain things properly and to show empathy and interest in others beliefs and feelings.