1. Don’t Judge. It’s very easy to decide that you would do something different if you were in the key position. But actually being the person where the buck stops really is different than being in that person’s circle of influence. Empathy is the required skill.
2. Step Back. Stepping back is important because you need to make sure that you’re not letting personal interests get in the way. Let’s face it; you’re human too and may be scared. But not being directly in the line of fire can be just enough distance to allow you to gather your analytical abilities and put them to good use.
3. Assess. According to research, it’s quite possible that the person in the leadership position has tunnel vision at that moment to the point where only survival is in focus. Leading requires seeing past the crisis — but this particular human factor can get in the way of that. This is where the little bit of distance you have can really help.
4. Advise. If you have done the first 3 faithfully, you owe it to the leader to honestly advise him or her. This is the time to be respectful, but not timid — the leader may be depending on you and not even realize it.
