Crisis leadership - From the Haiti earthquake to the COVID pandemic

Abstract

As in the response to the Haiti earthquake (and other public health crises), we advocate for an awareness of certain guiding principles during a crisis: be informed, keep it simple, and think tactically and strategically simultaneously (eg, clear the streets immediately while building strategic partnerships for the future). These guiding principles lead to concrete actions to be taken on a daily basis to improve situational awareness, support adaptive decision making, and communicate with simplicity and clarity while managing energy for the long term. We also emphasize the importance of a systematic approach to learning from experience-both in the midst of the response and afterward. As a result of adherence to these principles and best practices, public health organizations will enhance their ability to provide essential services and to save lives. Furthermore, by doing so, organizations that succeed in addressing the COVID pandemic leadership challenges will emerge as stronger organizations that are better positioned for whatever the future may hold.