10 Ways to Handle a Crisis

This month my dad had a heart attack, my son’s computer crashed, and we were asked to bid on three new clients with detailed RFP's. In other words, all my worlds came together. Even as a work/life balance expert I must admit I needed to regroup and rethink: How am I going to manage everything on my plate?

In the past few weeks I have been talking and listening to clients how to handle both crises and work. Here are a few of my favorite ways of coping.

1. Be honest

Tell the world what is going on and how you are feeling about it. For example, I shared with clients how close I am with my dad and that I was scared he was going to die. Amazingly, this opened so many conversations that I actually got to know clients better and closer than ever before.

2. Adjust your attitude

I told clients that I am capable and confident that all their needs will still be met, and that although we may move a few things around, I am still the person that can and will serve them the best.

3. Have a sense of humor

Enjoy every second that is still good. Tell good clean jokes, look at life’s funny side, and laugh at the unfunny—because it does make you feel better.

4. Seize this opportunity

Even in the emergency room I networked! Sounds shocking, but it’s a good way to pass the horrible minutes. Besides, my dad loves my company and would only want me to grow it bigger and bigger.

5. Take care of your health

No emotional eating! Healthy eating is even more important when you’re in a crisis and it’s actually a good time to cut down and lose a little. We are lucky that most hospitals, delis, and restaurants have healthy choices, so pick them. I carry fruit around and fiber bars so I remember to eat healthy.

6. Hug your support system

I got to know my husband (of six years) even better. I saw a kind, compassionate man who handled my dad beautifully. This made me more grateful to have him and reminded me, yet again, not to take him for granted and to thank him for his support.

7. Prioritize, hour by hour

What needs to get done for your business, for your family members, and for you? What can you take off your plate and what can you not? Paying bills should never come off your plate because late charges are a major hassle to take care of. Client proposals that could possibly bring in more work should not come off either, but a phone call to a new vendor can be postponed. I redo my to-do list almost every hour during a crisis.

8. Use technology

Thank goodness for my Blackberry, iPad, and cell phones. I text and use Facebook and apps to get the job done. Facebook let my world know what was going on, all at one time.

9. Don’t recount every gory detail

Especially when it comes to illness. It takes a huge toll on you and is a total waste of time.

10. Come to terms with the cold hard fact that life turns on a dime, and it is just a phone call that turns our world around

For me, it was a phone call that told me my ex-husband wasn't coming home, it was another phone call that told me my parents were in a car accident, and one more call from my dad saying he was having a heart attack. But it was also a phone call that gave my company a new $200,000 contract, a phone call telling me that my son scored well on his MCATs, and another phone call telling me how well my dad was doing.

Overall, life is pretty good and I am learning (day by day, minute by minute) to make the right choices for me and my world.