Influence in Crisis and High-Stakes Situations
In crisis moments, HR’s influence is tested—and revealed. These are the times when trust, preparedness, and composure determine whether your voice shapes the outcome or gets drowned out.
HR isn’t always the first function called in a crisis—but when people, culture, or leadership trust are involved, HR must be at the table and ready to lead.
Crises—whether sudden layoffs, public scandals, cyberattacks, or geopolitical shocks—are defining moments for HR’s credibility. They amplify emotion, shorten timelines, and force decisions under pressure.
This is when influence matters most.
The Nature of Influence in Crisis
In stable times, influence builds slowly. In crisis, it’s about:
- Presence: showing up with calm, clarity, and urgency
- Trust: drawing on relationships you’ve built beforehand
- Framing: helping others see beyond panic to purposeful action
What Makes Crisis Different
| Normal Influence | Crisis Influence |
|---|---|
| Long-term persuasion | Real-time decision shaping |
| Data-driven proposals | Rapid scenario framing |
| Emotional neutrality | Empathetic steadiness |
| Strategic cadence | Tactical immediacy |
Influence Moves That Work in Crisis
- Ask grounding questions
→ “What outcome are we solving for—today and 6 months from now?” - Name the emotion, don’t ignore it
→ “People are scared. Here’s how we’re acknowledging that.” - Connect decisions to values
→ “We say we care about fairness—here’s what that means now.” - Offer language for leaders
→ Draft talking points, FAQs, or response frameworks. Help them sound calm and credible. - Hold the ethical line
→ Be the voice that flags long-term reputational risks or cultural consequences.
Building Influence Before Crisis Hits
Your voice in crisis is only as strong as the trust you’ve built before it.
Crisis as Leadership Crucible
These moments are hard—but they’re also an opportunity.
When HR shows up with competence, courage, and composure, it doesn’t just help manage the crisis—it earns long-term influence that carries forward.