10/15/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 10:57
As the havoc of Hurricanes Helene and Milton continue to disrupt communities throughout the Southeast, city and county managers in the storm's paths are transitioning from the initial shock of rescue response to the daunting challenges of long-term community recovery. The emotional, mental, and physical demands on municipal leaders are overwhelming. The trauma is real, and the responsibilities are immense. Both personally and professionally, managers are struggling to balance their leadership roles with the toll these disasters are taking on their teams, communities, and themselves.
In times like these, the pressure can feel unbearable. However, there are steps you can take to lead effectively while caring for your own mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being-and that of your employees and community.
The burden of leadership during and after a disaster is multifaceted. You are responsible for your family, your staff, and your community. This layered stress can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, anxiety, and even despair. Becoming aware of and acting from that place of awareness of what you can and cannot control is crucial in reducing stress.
Prioritize: Remember to put your oxygen mask on first.
Leading through multiple disasters, like Helene and Milton, or even single crisis events are essentially long-term challenges. Without proper self-care, your ability to lead will be compromised. Prioritize your own well-being in order that you may continue to serve your community effectively. You will be working very hard and long hours but you must take short breaks to prevent yourself from burnout.
Your team is also under immense pressure. They're grappling with the trauma of possible loss of life of those close to them, damage to their homes or the homes of their loved ones and overall storm damage while trying to stay functional at work. Creating a safe and supportive environment for employees to express their emotions is essential for long-term recovery.
Beyond the physical recovery, communities impacted by Helene and Milton will need emotional and spiritual healing. Disasters with mass casualties and extensive destruction require community-wide support.
In the aftermath of these disasters, city and county managers must make swift, high-stakes decisions with little information. This can be extremely stressful, but a few guiding principles can help:
It's easy to feel isolated under the weight of leadership during a disaster but remember that you have support. Tap into your network, rely on your team, and leverage the resources ICMA provides.
Coaching and mentorship: ICMA offers a coaching network and an ethics line to guide managers through difficult decisions.
Spiritual support: Reach out to chaplains or spiritual leaders for emotional and spiritual grounding. Seek companionship from those who can provide a listening ear and help you process your feelings.
Stay connected to friends and family: People who know you outside of your professional life can provide much needed insight, perspective, and support.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton will leave indelible marks on the communities they touch, and the leaders at the forefront of recovery will be changed as well. Although it may not seem like it now, these experiences, offer an opportunity for growth. And though you may never forget the experience of the destruction of the community you serve, you will also witness incredible acts of resilience, solidarity, and hope in that same community as you work together to rebuild.
Every day presents an opportunity to lead with compassion, strength, and wisdom. These moments can be formative in shaping your leadership, your community's identity, and your own personal growth. While the road to recovery is long, together, you and your community will rebuild and you will emerge stronger for it.