10 tips for leading through a crisis

Leading an IT department is challenging in the best of times, but leadership capabilities are really tested during a crisis. To stay calm and confident in times of strife, take a look at these suggestions from John Baldoni, author of "The Leader's Pocket Guide: 101 Indispensable Tools, Tips, and Techniques for Any Situation," as presented by Dennis McCafferty at CIO Insight.

1. Stay optimistic, but base your attitude on facts.
2. Motivate employees through the value of the mission, not through fear of losing the job.
3. Let everyone know you are in charge by keeping your door open.
4. Stick up for your own staff even if superiors are starting to point fingers.
5. Think before you speak and make sure your information is credible.
6. Find out what your employees are thinking.
7. If you have bad news for people, go to their space--not yours--to deliver it.
8. Look for employees who can handle adversity.
9. Let your staffers make decisions about how to achieve the goals you've set out.
10. If everything is sinking fast, know when to cut bait.

For more:
- see Dennis McCafferty's post at CIO Insight

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