Together, James and Wooten have developed a body of work that demonstrates precisely why crisis leadership matters. They have found that effective leadership is the key factor in determining whether or not an organization or a society will be better off following a crisis. Their work goes beyond the mechanics of damage control and effective communications to recognizing crisis situations as opportunities to create change and open the doors to innovation and growth.
James and Wooten are researchers and public intellectuals whose work can be helpful to those wanting to survive and thrive before, during and after a crisis. Central to the work are the following perspectives:
- Crises do not discriminate – they can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.
- Even very competent people can find themselves facing undesirable and threatening circumstances.
- Crises are about people: leading before, during, and after a crisis requires a commitment to the well-being of people.
- Crises are inevitable and leaders can and should do their best to develop effective skills in preparation.
Crises are born in uncertain, ambiguous and unpredictable environments. They are significant threatening events that will lead to devastating outcomes unless swift action is taken. Responsible and effective leaders continuously deepen their own crisis leadership skillset and work with those around them to help others do the same. James and Wooten’s work offers an underpinning framework for doing so.