Understanding the Discomfort During Simulations
Earthquake drills, while crucial for knowing the correct actions during seismic events, can cause discomfort and stress for some individuals. This is often due to associations with past events, such as the earthquakes on September 19, 2017, and 1985 in Mexico.
The Role of Leaders in Earthquake Drills
During these drills within a company setting, leaders play a vital role in ensuring their team members remain calm. According to David Pons, founder of Neolíderes, “Communication in these situations should be brief, precise, and informative.” Empathy and active listening are also essential for providing necessary support.
Preventing Further Incidents with Leader Preparation
A leader’s preparation can prevent additional accidents following a natural disaster, as per the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The emotional and physical strain caused by such events can lead individuals to take incorrect actions.
Five Key Points for Leaders
Although earthquake drills are a preventive measure, they should not be underestimated. In the first eight months of this year, over 21,000 earthquakes were detected in Mexico by the National Seismological Service (SSN), managed by UNAM.
- Strengthen Emotional Intelligence: Maintaining composure may seem simple, but in practice, it’s common to be swayed by emotions. Leaders must remain firm and avoid causing panic, which could infect team members.
- Raise Awareness of the Situation: Emphasize the importance of drills, especially among younger employees, to prepare them for real-life scenarios.
- Know the Protocols: The more informed employees are about emergency procedures, the better they can respond.
- Use Motivational Language: Employ motivational language, such as “your preparation saves lives,” to foster a better connection during the drill.
- Discuss the Topic: Since not everyone reacts similarly, it’s crucial for leaders to understand their teams. This helps identify individuals who feel anxious or might panic during drills, allowing for necessary support.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why do some people feel nervous during earthquake drills? Some individuals require support during these situations. Leaders should engage in conversations to understand their team members’ comfort levels and anticipate each person’s needs.
- What can leaders do to help their team members stay calm? Leaders should practice empathy, active listening, and maintain composure. They should also communicate clearly, raise awareness of drill importance, know protocols, use motivational language, and discuss individual team members’ needs.
