Working in Emergency Management

Working in Emergency Management: 10 Critical Traits

Emergency management has been top of mind since 2011. A new government department calls for new Homeland Security experts. The world in which we live has gotten smaller, just as the threats to our personal and homeland safety disproportionately loom overhead. Sometimes called “crisis management,” the people who are able to respond to the challenge of natural disasters, technological and chemical crises, war, or terrorist actions are singularly respected. So, is the field of emergency response and management right for you?

What Makes an Exemplary Emergency Management Professional?

Caring about people and wanting to help others are admirable traits, but to be an effective crisis leader, other qualities are needed. Skills can be learned, and compassion can be developed, but it helps if you have natural predispositions that lend themselves to managing situations that can impact thousands of lives. Robert C. Chandler, Ph.D., an international crisis communication academic and social scientific investigator says, “Research suggests that effective leaders possess similar traits and characteristics. There are important ‘marks’ of effective crisis leaders.”

Ten of those traits include:

  1. Adaptability: Sometimes you have to adapt to cope and sometimes you have to adapt to win. Emergency management leaders know the difference.
  2. Composure: Good leaders seldom “stress out.” They remain calm and focused, even in the middle of extreme chaos.
  3. Communication: It’s important to be able to give instructions clearly when designating tasks. It’s also important to be a good listener. During an emergency situation, you may have to process a lot of information and different suggestions from others in an instant. Leaders can communicate effectively when speaking and writing; you may also have to “listen with your eyes.” That means to understand what other members of your teams are saying – and not saying – with words and body language. Good communication skills are essential.
  4. Critical thinking: Some leaders say they have to step outside of themselves so they can objectively analyze a situation. You may be emotionally driven to one course of action, but you must have the ability to examine solutions and their possible consequences. You should be able to communicate to others worst-case/best-case scenarios and statistical probabilities of outcome.
  5. Decisiveness: Hesitation can cost lives and waste valuable time. You should be able to make the best decisions quickly.
  6. Facilitation: The best leaders are enablers. They can process information from others, assign specific responsibilities, and collaborate with team members to accomplish a common objective.
  7. Goal-oriented with organizational skills: You should be able to coordinate teams that integrate action plans quickly. Emergency Management professionals can define short-term objectives and long-term targets, then task them to the people who can meet those goals. 
  8. Prioritization: Emergency managers can immediately identify and list what is needed for emergency response, then prioritize them in order of importance.
  9. Receptive to new or unusual ideas: Effective leaders know what procedures are tried and true, but they are also receptive to others’ ideas. It’s important to keep an open mind to all suggestions; one of them might save the day.
  10. Responsibility: “The buck stops here,” said President Harry S. Truman. He kept that sign on his desk in the Oval Office as a reminder that leaders are willing to be accountable for their decisions, whether good or bad.

Emergency Management for Homeland Security

The BLS says Homeland Security has “Many jobs, one mission.” As of 2013, the federal government employed over 2 million civilians, and 9% of those jobs were held by Homeland Security professionals.

Homeland Security crisis management for the government usually requires a bachelor's degree. In addition to honing the qualities you already possess that are needed for any role as an emergency management leader, you should also study:

  • Intelligence-gathering
  • Legal issues
  • National Incident Management System (NIMS) – This is the U.S. government process guide for managing incidents, regardless of size or location.
  • Policies and procedures
  • Security and surveillance

Train to Work in Emergency Management

One of the most dynamic programs at ECPI University is offered year-round to accommodate working students’ busy schedules and lifestyles. You could earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security in just 2.5 years! Remember when making critical decisions: emergency management leaders don’t hesitate. Request more information today—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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