Effective communicators are those who take responsibility for decisions, balance their strengths with their challenges, and remain committed to their roles during the most turbulent times. Here’s a look at four types of crisis communicators and how they embody accountability in different ways.
1. The Director: Driving Accountability Through Decisive Action
Directors are natural leaders. They are quick to make decisions, assign tasks, and keep the team moving forward. They focus on goals, take risks, and are not afraid to make tough calls, which is essential during a crisis. However, their laser focus on action sometimes comes at the expense of empathy and patience.
Areas of Strength:
- Clear about goals and objectives.
- Always on the move, taking risks when necessary.
- Willing to make tough decisions and take responsibility for the outcome.
Areas of Caution:
- Directors may lack empathy, appearing insensitive or intimidating.
- They tend to focus more on doing than listening, which can be a challenge when collaboration is key.
To improve, Directors need to hold themselves accountable for their interpersonal communication as much as their actions, ensuring that their teams feel heard and supported.
2. The Expresser: Creative Accountability in Action
Expressers are known for their creativity and enthusiasm. They bring a lot of energy to the table, often inspiring others with their ideas and emotions. Their sensitivity to others’ feelings can make them effective communicators in emotionally charged situations. However, their tendency to get disorganized can create challenges.
Areas of Strength:
- Great at sharing ideas and fostering creativity.
- Sensitive to the emotional state of others, making them strong in delicate situations.
- Willing to take chances and explore new possibilities.
Areas of Caution:
- Lack of focus and follow-through can undermine their efforts.
- Expressers often need to manage time better and avoid wasting their own or others’ time.
For accountability to shine, Expressers must focus on time management and task completion, ensuring they follow through on the innovative ideas they bring to the table.
3. The Thinker: Analytical Accountability
Thinkers are process-oriented and detail-focused. They excel at analyzing situations, solving problems, and ensuring that things are done right. They are methodical and prefer to walk through all the nuances before making a decision. While this can be a great strength, it can also lead to delays in decision-making during urgent moments.
Areas of Strength:
- Exceptional at solving problems with careful thought.
- Focus on details and getting things right.
- Consider others’ needs and feelings before acting.
Areas of Caution:
- Tendency to postpone decisions until all details are certain, missing the bigger picture.
- Can underestimate how long tasks take to complete, leading to delays.
Thinkers can improve their accountability by balancing their need for analysis with timeliness, ensuring they don’t get stuck in overthinking when immediate action is needed.
4. The Harmonizer: Accountable by Caring for the Team
Harmonizers thrive in creating a supportive, team-focused environment. They are steady and dependable, always attuned to others’ feelings and the group’s well-being. However, their tendency to avoid conflict can sometimes mean they take on too much and overextend themselves.
Areas of Strength:
- Warm, caring, and dependable in tough times.
- Prioritize the group’s well-being and act as a team player.
- Focused on fostering collaboration and harmony.
Areas of Caution:
- Difficulty in separating personal and work issues.
- Struggle to say “no,” which can lead to overwhelm and burnout.
Harmonizers can strengthen their accountability by setting clearer boundaries and learning to prioritize tasks, ensuring they don’t compromise their well-being in the process.
Accountability at the Core of Crisis Communication
Each type of crisis communicator brings unique strengths to the table. However, true accountability means recognizing and working on areas for improvement. Whether it’s a Director needing to listen more, or an Expresser learning to focus, accountability ensures every communicator is prepared to lead through crisis with integrity and effectiveness.
