Crisis Time: Caring for your Future, #1

By Lina Hernandez

There are times in life when everything seems to fall apart. Crises shake us, test us, and force us to face challenges we never imagined. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, lost, or unsure of where to start to lead in difficult times, this book is for you.

 

This book is not intended to be a manual full of complicated theories. There are no empty promises or generic advice here. Each chapter is designed to connect you with the realities that leaders face in the most critical moments. From staying calm under pressure to communicating with transparency, here you will find clear and applicable strategies for each situation. But most importantly, you will find a human approach, because leading is not just about making strategic decisions, it is about inspiring, supporting, and growing alongside the people who trust you.
 

If you have ever felt that decisions under pressure paralyze you or that adversity leaves you without direction, this book will show you how to transform those moments into opportunities to grow. Whether you lead a company, a small team, or are simply looking to be a leader in your own life, this book is designed to help you strengthen your mindset, adapt to change, and make decisions with confidence, even when the outlook is uncertain.
 

Throughout these pages, you'll also discover how to build resilient teams that can weather the storms with you. You'll learn how to develop emotional intelligence to manage your own emotions and those of those around you, and how to find clarity amidst the chaos. This is not a book for those looking for quick fixes, but for those who are ready to look crises in the face and emerge from them stronger, wiser, and more capable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lina Hernandez
• Release date: Feb 26, 2025
• ISBN: 9798227961884

Book preview

​Leading in the Storm

Leading in times of crisis can feel like being in the middle of a fierce storm. The wind blows hard, the rain makes visibility difficult, and the ground becomes unstable beneath your feet. However, an effective leader knows that in times like these, their guidance is needed most. This chapter seeks to speak directly to you, as someone who may be facing a storm right now. You may feel the pressure, the fear, or even the weight of not knowing what to do. But let me tell you this: you are not alone, and the storm can be faced if you adopt the right mindset and take the right actions.

When everything seems to be falling apart, the first thing a leader must do is stop, even if the world around them is in chaos. It may sound strange, but pausing is necessary to clear your mind and assess the situation. Many leaders make the mistake of reacting immediately to a crisis, but a hasty reaction is often a recipe for bigger mistakes. Take a moment to breathe deeply and gather your thoughts. In the midst of a storm, calm is your greatest ally. It's like the eye of the hurricane: in the center, even if everything around you is chaos, you can find serenity and clarity to act.

The key to leading through the storm is to accept reality as it is, not as you wish it were. It's common in a crisis to try to deny what's happening, to blame others or to complain about the circumstances. However, this doesn't solve the problem. Acceptance means looking at the situation head on, honestly and without illusions. What's really going on? What's the worst that could happen? Asking yourself these questions isn't pessimism, it's preparing for any scenario. When you accept the bigger picture, you begin to gain control over what you can do instead of being dominated by what you can't change.

A leader in crisis also needs to project confidence, even if he or she feels doubtful inside. This doesn't mean lying or pretending you have all the answers. The people who follow you don't expect perfection, they expect stability. When you talk to your team, your family, or those who depend on you, be honest about the severity of the situation, but also convey that there is a way forward. It's like a ship captain in the middle of a storm: the crew doesn't expect the captain to control the weather, but they do need to know that there is someone at the helm who is looking for the best route to safety.

Clear and consistent communication is one of the most important pillars during a crisis. No matter if you lead a small team, a family, or a large organization, the people around you need to hear your voice. Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and a lack of information can cause people to assume the worst. Make sure to speak up often, even if you don’t have all the answers yet. Share what you know, what you’re doing, and what you hope comes next. This simple act not only informs, but also builds trust in you as a leader.

Finally, understand that leading through the storm isn’t about doing it all alone. A good leader knows when to ask for help and recognizes the strengths of others. Look at the people around you – who has skills or perspectives that could help you? Involving others not only lightens your load, but it also strengthens the sense of community and teamwork. No one expects a leader to be a lone hero. True strength is in working together toward a solution.

The storm can last for days, weeks, or even months. There will be times when it seems like the sky never clears and the waves just keep crashing down. But remember, every storm has an end. As a leader, your role is not to control the weather, but to guide people to safety. Stay calm, accept reality, communicate clearly, and lean on others. It may