What the leader must do in times of crisis - crime in Jamaica

There is a sense of panic in Jamaica over the recent spate of abductions mostly of young women. Consistent with panic are the decisions people make – not going out at night, not exercising early in the morning, suspending after-school activities, cancelling events. There is no rational decision making when people are in a state of hysteria. I understand that many of the reports of abduction are not true. This does not matter to people anymore as they are now fearful not just of abductions, but of everything – going to the supermarket, travelling to and from work, walking on the street, sitting in their homes, watching TV, etc.. As the stories spread, mushroom and multiply, so does the hysteria and frenzy. No conversation nowadays is without some story of a recent abduction, usually begun with “I hear that ….”

As I reflect on my recent keynote speech to the Caribbean Association of Indigenous Banks in Barbados, it occurs to me that our political leadership would be well-advised to follow my 6-step “CRISIS” formula for leading in times of crisis.

Communicate – there is an paucity of information about the abductions, which creates a vacuum which by natural law must be filled. In the absence of the facts, people will create stories. The first step of the leadership therefore is to give the populace the facts – how many true abductions have been reported, the status of the investigations and perhaps some report on the rumoured abductions. There must also be clear, ongoing communication about the solutions that are being implemented. Leaders MUST speak the truth

Respect - our leadership needs to respect and listen to the voice of the people. There are many that have great ideas about how to solve crime, but they are not to be found in the hallowed halls of power, nor in academia, but rather “pon di corner” or even in the prisons! Listen more than talk is always good advice to politicians!

Independent – the leadership itself must not get caught up in the hysteria. The Parliament is slated to take a conscience vote on the issue of the death penalty tomorrow. Each parliamentarian must stay independent of the panic about crime, examine the facts and figures, weigh the issues and then vote as he or she TRULY feels – not by what they think is expected of them by their constituents

Stay on message – leadership must find a message that resonates with the people in terms of authenticity, and then stay on it. To say “we are in control, don’t worry” is not very authentic nor reassuring in these circumstances, as crime continues to run rampant. A message such as “Together, we can create peace” or some such thing is what is needed

Invicibility – the leadership of the nation MUST send clear messages that they WILL solve the crime problem. I would like to see some targets set, for example, reduction in murders, and a focused, targeted action plan implemented, along with monthly reporting on progress. The criminals MUST get the message that they will not conquer the people, and that law and order will prevail

Smile – throughout all this, the people need to see leadership that is calm and collected and that is not afraid (perhaps dispensing with some of their own security detail).

Now more than ever we need leadership that does not succumb to fear – we need leadership that can rise about the crisis and take the tough decisions required.