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NEVER A DULL MOMENT:
MANAGING UP IN TIMES OF CRISIS
Melinda J. Sutton, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
and Dean of Students
University of Mississippi
and
Tony Vukusich, M.S.
Assistant Dean of Students for Fraternity and Sorority Life
University of Mississippi
What is a “crisis”?
“A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.”
“A time when a difficult or important decision must be made.”
What is “Managing Up”?
“We are all managers. Like it or not, each of us is plunked down
in the middle of an organizational context – family, friends,
neighborhood, school, job, whatever – that requires management
skill to achieve a result. The flow of responsibility goes in every
direction and uses different sets of tools to match the
circumstances. But just as we are all managers, we are all
support staff as well. No matter how exalted the manager, he or
she plays a supporting role….” (p. xvi)
Badowski, R. (2003). Managing up: How to forge an effective relationship with those above you.
New York, NY: Doubleday.
MANAGING UP
• Understand your supervisor’s job and the
dynamics that impact his/her position.
• Think ahead. Help your supervisor forecast
and plan.
• Always think like a manager.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
• Know your line of reporting.
• Understand that you need to communicate up
and down within your organization.
• Knowing organizational culture is important.
Is it okay to communicate directly or does
information need to flow through someone?
AFTER-HOURS CRISIS RESPONSE
• Rotating crisis response team with clear
instruction on how to manage most situations.
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Communication plan
Resources for many situations
Follow-up plan
Protocol for reporting situations that fall within another
division’s oversight
CRISIS #1: WATER TOWER
LESSON LEARNED
Communication is critical.
CRISIS #2: STUDENT DEATHS
LESSON LEARNED
Know your leadership.
CRISIS #3: MEDIA FRENZY
LESSON LEARNED
Relationships are integral to managing a crisis
successfully.
CRISIS #4: TITLE IX NIGHTMARE
LESSON LEARNED
Understand your role.
LESSONS LEARNED
Know your leadership.
Communication is critical.
Relationships are integral to managing a crisis
successfully.
Understand your role.
QUESTIONS??