By Dr Tareq Rasheed, International Consultant & Trainer
The world today faces an array of challenges across economic, political, social, technological and environmental domains.
In the face of such adversity, Jordan has remained resilient, guided by the deep vision of King Abdullah II.
Under his leadership, the Jordanian government has worked strategically to manage crises, maintain economic stability and strengthen international relations, upholding the vision and aspirations of the nation’s leadership.
Here are the tools Jordanian leaders utilise in crisis management.
1. High-Level Consultations: Meetings are held with the prime minister, ministers and senior leaders to assess the impact and indicators of the crisis
2. Formation of a Crisis Management Team: A specialised team is established with defined responsibilities and a strategic approach tailored to each phase of the crisis
3. Scenario Planning: The team develops various scenarios to avoid, mitigate, or manage the crisis and its impact on the country and its population
4. Sector-Specific Action Plans: Each ministry and sector receives a detailed action plan, implemented by professional teams with clear oversight and follow-up procedures.
5. Post-Crisis Review: Once the crisis subsides, debrief meetings are held to analyse lessons learned and to develop strategies for preventing future occurrences
Classification of Crises
Crises are categorised based on several factors: type, intensity, causes, structure, affected areas, duration, resource availability and other key variables.
The Crisis Lifecycle
Every crisis progresses through four main stages:
Early Warning: Crises rarely emerge without warning. Each government sector monitors key indicators to detect potential threats early and initiate pre-emptive measures
Onset of Crisis: At this stage, negative effects begin to surface across affected sectors. The nature of the crisis—be it educational, economic, or environmental—will dictate its indicators and response strategy
Crisis Expansion: This is the most severe phase, marked by increased losses, public distress and emotional strain. Leadership plays a crucial role here, offering guidance, resources and emotional support to help people sustain daily life
Crisis Resolution: All crises eventually subside. The length of this final phase depends on the type of crisis, the country’s preparedness, resource availability and the effectiveness of leadership
In a world increasingly defined by crises, effective leadership remains the key to reducing their negative impact. Jordanian leadership stands out as a model of resilience and strategic foresight, offering steadfast support to its citizens in times of hardship.
You can contact Dr Tareq Rasheed at tareq_m35@yahoo.com
