Crisis Leadership Principles for IT Leaders

In a recent episode of the Something Extra podcast, Frank DeAngelis, the retired principal of Columbine High School, sat down with Lisa Nichols to share his journey of leading a community through unimaginable pain and suffering.

In the wake of the 1999 tragedy at Columbine, DeAngelis emerged as a powerful voice for driving positive change, guiding his community toward healing and rehabilitation. His lessons on compassion, resilience, and courage are relevant to anyone in a leadership position, especially those leading during a crisis.

In the fast-paced world of technology, IT leaders face crises that can make or break their organizations. Drawing inspiration from DeAngelis' journey, here are some key insights for IT leaders navigating a crisis.

Build Strong Relationships Before Crisis Strikes

For IT executives, the foundation of effective crisis management lies in the relationships cultivated before any issues arise. DeAngelis says, "It's all about relationships, relationships, relationships."

In the tech industry, this translates to fostering strong connections with your team members, stakeholders, and partners. These relationships will be your support system when facing cybersecurity breaches, system failures, or significant digital transformations.

Lead with Authenticity and Heart

In times of crisis, your team will look to you for guidance. DeAngelis' approach of speaking from the heart rather than relying on scripted responses is particularly relevant for IT leaders. Authenticity can build trust and credibility when discussing complex technical issues or potential data breaches.

As DeAngelis puts it, "I'm not the smartest, I'm not the tallest, but I speak from my heart." Such an approach can be compelling when explaining technical challenges to non-technical stakeholders. Don’t rely on technical jargon to communicate your point. Use conversational language that connects with your audience personally and emotionally.

Leverage Past Experiences and Mentorship

DeAngelis attributes much of his leadership style to early influences and experiences. For IT leaders, this underscores the importance of continuous learning and seeking mentorship. Whether it's staying updated on the latest tech trends or learning from seasoned industry veterans, these experiences shape your ability to lead effectively.

As DeAngelis notes, "You just don't wake up and become this leader," it's a journey of accumulated knowledge and experiences. Similarly, finding a moment of stillness amid the chaos to look inward and reflect can be highly beneficial. Sometimes, the solution to a present problem can be drawn from a lesson learned in one's past.

Focus on Long-Term Impact

In the tech industry, it's easy to get caught up in short-term fixes and quick wins. However, DeAngelis' career reminds us of the importance of considering the long-term impact of our leadership. As IT leaders, your decisions today can have far-reaching consequences on your organization's future. Strive to make choices that will positively influence your team and company for years to come, creating a legacy that extends beyond immediate crises.

By incorporating these principles into your leadership approach, IT executives can navigate crises more effectively, fostering resilience and innovation within their teams and organizations. True technology leadership, as in education, is defined not just by technical expertise but by the ability to inspire, connect, and guide others.