Abstract: | Abstract The differences between crises and disasters are generally not well understood, which often results in mismanagement turning disasters into crises. Mismanagement falls into three areas: Flawed theories and models, faulty preparation, and flawed execution. The author, a veteran of numerous high-profile issues and crises, presents original analysis and new theoretical models based on recent scientific findings about human behavior. He argues that the most important thing to remember in a crisis situation is that the greater the stress, the greater the traditional rules of success change. The best way to prevent most crises from erupting requires intensive crisis as opposed to disaster planning, and being cognizant about how stress distorts systems and relationships. |