Watch a 6-minute interview with Ivey Lecturer Kanina Blanchard on leading in crises
In today’s world
where leaders are constantly under microscopes
and one wrong move can fell an organization,
leaders need to be prepared to be tested.
That’s why Ivey’s new leadership course, Leaders
Under Fire, taught by Ivey Lecturer Kanina
Blanchard, helps students to prepare for
possible leadership scenarios.
“It’s not just about what you know, it’s about
who you are and how you get things done. It’s
how you handle situations that becomes a real
differentiator,” said Blanchard. “This is the
world of YouTube. A reaction can go viral and,
within a day or two, brand, reputation and
careers can be on the line.”
To prepare for the unpredictable, Blanchard
encourages students to take the time to learn
about themselves and what they are prepared or
not prepared to do in a challenging situation.
“If you have the comfort and knowledge in
yourself in terms of thinking about and planning
for and investing time and energy in how you
handle fear, crisis and shock, it will help you
to be better prepared to face those situations
you’ll face as a leader,” she said. “One of the
horrible things that can happen in a crisis is
that shock can just shut people down. You have
to start with a sense of confidence.”
Blanchard adds that most crises are not a test
of what leaders can do or fix, but of character.
She points to Maple Leaf Foods CEO Michael
McCain’s handling of a listeriosis crisis as an
example of leadership that withstood this test
of character.
“He stood up and did what was right. It was a
test of character and he passed,” she said. “If
you stand up as a leader and be honest and
genuine, most people will accept you working
through that crisis.”
