The Learning Leader: What Do You Do in a Crisis?

In the chaos, people make up information to fill the communication void. For employees and others, it's not clear what's definite data and what's random rumor. The result is confusion and unhappiness even when no one is trying to unsettle things.

Learning: Create a regular channel — even a simple intranet page — where people can find out "stuff" and ask questions. Reply to any question within 24 hours. With information, people can make good choices. Without information, they feel panicked.