In a Hostile Environment? Skills Needed for Success

Abstract

ABSTRACT The response landscape is changing as a result of social, political and technological influences. The Incident Commander’s work environment, driven by today’s 24/7 media and social media coverage, can become hostile. The frequency of incidents that raise public concern has increased. It is no longer sufficient for responders to manage the response. They must also ensure stakeholders are invested in the response process, but there is a gap between stakeholder’s wants and what responders can realistically deliver. What are the appropriate skills and training needed by Incident Commanders to address this gap? What are the skills responders need when some individuals or organizations fan public fear, anger, and frustration to advance their own causes? What are the skills responders need to build public trust in the response organization and Government? The Coast Guard is committed to meeting the training needs of responders and preparing them to meet the demands of today’s challenging, and potentially hostile, response environment. The authors identify skills for Incident Commanders to improve their crisis leadership, community engagement, and to increase the effectiveness and resiliency of their Incident Management Teams.