How to Pick a Leader When Your Survival Depends Upon it

Leaders need to act quickly when a crisis develops.

People will often develop a pack mentality when organized in a group for any length of time. A leader will naturally evolve within the group who everyone (or at least the majority) will look to when decisions need to be made that affects the group as a whole. In emergency situations, a dependable leader can be the difference between living and dying. Placing your trust in the wrong person could lead to disastrous consequences. Picking a leader when your survival depends on it requires you to be observant and to trust your judgment.

Instructions

1. Watch the people around you. Anyone panicking or acting erratically should be ruled out for a leadership position. Leaders may be quiet initially as they observe what is happening around them and assess the situation. They may also take immediate control of the group and start taking charge of the problem.

2. Ask if anyone has experience in the situation you are currently facing. If you are trapped in a building, a former rescue worker would be a good choice as a leader since he could have experience that would benefit you in finding your way to freedom.

3. Listen to the tone of the people talking. Effective leaders are usually calm, confidant and authoritative when they speak, especially when time is limited or the situation is hazardous.

4. Talk to others around you to see what their impressions are. A leader needs to have the trust of the majority of the group if that leadership is to be effective. If the rest of the group also are placing their trust in the same person, follow that person's lead as long as he is not leading you to anything illegal or unethical.

References

• Greenstein, Rogoff, Olsen and Co.: Seven Qualities of a Good Leader
• Psychology Today; Pack Mentality; Robert Wilson