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9th May, 2023

Why We Become Terrible in a Crisis

With Rachel Morris

Dr Rachel Morris

Listen to this episode

On this episode

As a medical professional, facing high-stress situations every day might make you think you can handle anything. But the truth is, decisiveness isn’t always what you want when things go wrong. Not every crisis is the same. Sometimes, the best course of action is to take a step back and come back to the crisis later.

In this quick dip episode, we uncover why we become terrible in a crisis, even as healthcare professionals. We explore how we typically react to stressful situations and their consequences. Then, we discuss strategies to ensure you’ve left the stress zone before you handle your crisis. It all begins with self-awareness and self-apprehension.

Before anything, it’s crucial to take a pause. If you want to know how to develop good crisis management skills for yourself and others, this episode is for you.

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Reasons to listen

  1. Discover why being in our stress zone makes us terrible at dealing with crises.
  2. Learn the best course of action when you’re backed into the corner.
  3. Find out how to make your own amygdala hijack rescue pack.

Episode highlights

00:29

Dealing with Crises as a Healthcare Professional

02:42

Why We Become Terrible in a Crisis

03:25

Four Choices When You are Backed into the Corner

04:39

The Amygdala’s Job

06:19

You are Responsible for Your Reaction to a Crisis

08:23

How to Deal with Being Backed into a Corner

10:56

Knowing What’s Urgent and What’s Not

12:16

Get Out of Your Stress Zone

16:44

Investigating the Stories in Your Head

18:20

Making Your Own Amygdala Hijack Rescue Pack

Episode transcript

Rachel Morris: This is a You Are Not a Frog Quick Dip, a tiny taster of the kinds of things we talk about on our full podcast episodes, I’ve chosen today’s topic to give you a helpful boost in the time it takes to have a cup of tea, so you can return to whatever else you’re up to feeling energised and inspired. For more tools, tips and insights to help you thrive at work, don’t forget to subscribe to You Are Not a Frog wherever you get your podcasts. I pride myself on being good in a crisis. And…

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