Wellness 2.0: Rising to the Occasion
Hidden Brain
Deep Dive
What were the key mistakes made by Captain Francesco Schettino during the Costa Concordia disaster?
Captain Francesco Schettino made several critical mistakes during the Costa Concordia disaster. He steered the ship too close to shore, allegedly to salute mariners or impress his mistress. After hitting a reef, he delayed alerting authorities and focused on protecting his reputation rather than rescuing passengers. He abandoned the ship, claiming he accidentally fell into a lifeboat, and failed to supervise the evacuation. His inaction and poor leadership led to 32 deaths, and he was later sentenced to 16 years in prison for manslaughter and abandoning ship.
How did Coach Ekapol Chantawong help the Thai soccer team survive in the cave?
Coach Ekapol Chantawong played a crucial role in the survival of the Thai soccer team trapped in the cave. He kept the boys calm by giving them a shared goal—digging their way out—and maintained a structured daily routine, including waking at 6 AM. He encouraged teamwork, had them sing to lift spirits, and meditated with them to conserve energy and oxygen. He also ensured the stronger boys supported the weaker ones and provided hope by crafting a story about an orange field they would reach. His leadership and training as a Buddhist monk helped the boys endure 10 days without food or water until they were rescued.
What psychological strategies did Tammy Jo Schultz use to manage the crisis during the Southwest Airlines flight?
Tammy Jo Schultz demonstrated exceptional leadership during the Southwest Airlines crisis by remaining calm and focused. After an engine explosion caused chaos in the cabin, she reassured passengers with the words, 'We are not going down. We're going to Philadelphia,' which shifted the mood from panic to possibility. She executed a controlled descent, managed the plane's malfunctioning controls, and parked strategically near fire trucks upon landing. She also walked through the cabin to comfort passengers, showing empathy and care. Her calm demeanor and decisive actions prevented further panic and ensured the safety of everyone on board.
What is the 'leader amplification effect' discussed by Adam Galinsky?
The 'leader amplification effect' refers to how a leader's words, gestures, and behaviors are magnified and have a heightened impact on those they lead. Leaders' emotional states, whether calm or panicked, become contagious and can significantly influence the group's morale and behavior. For example, Tammy Jo Schultz's calmness during the Southwest Airlines crisis reassured passengers, while Captain Schettino's panic and selfishness exacerbated the chaos during the Costa Concordia disaster. This effect underscores the importance of leaders projecting confidence, empathy, and clarity in times of crisis.
How does recalling past experiences of power or control help in crisis situations?
Recalling past experiences of power or control can boost confidence and optimism in crisis situations. Research by Adam Galinsky and Yoris Lammers shows that reflecting on moments of control increases self-efficacy and persistence. For example, volunteers who recalled times of power wrote more confident job applications. Similarly, Coach Ekapol Chantawong drew on his training as a Buddhist monk to remain calm and lead the Thai soccer team through their ordeal. Reflecting on past successes helps individuals approach challenges with a positive mindset, making them more resilient and effective in high-pressure situations.
- Crises are inevitable in life.
- The chapter explores the psychology of battling a crisis.
- Techniques and strategies for responding to crises are discussed.