Crisis Management is a critical part of life, no matter who we are or what is our vocation. Handling matters such as the downsizing of a company or trauma in the workplace are often cause to take positive action in finding the way to great success. This lesson can only be discovered if purpose and the urge to move forward can be achieved.

It took twelve years to get far enough past the crisis and trauma of my kidnapping, torture and rescue to be able to relay my story. It was in January of 1992 I was a businesswoman, wife and mother of two when I found myself caught up in the political disintegration of the Soviet Union. The KGB was disbanded, and many of its operatives moved into the shady underbelly of criminal society. Capitalism was taking hold and new business ventures were springing up between the international business community and the newly monetarily motivated Russian. It was against this backdrop that I found myself caught. Under the auspices of a deal gone bad, I was kidnapped, beaten, tortured and held hostage for eleven horrifying days.

Years later, thinking about others who may have found themselves in a similar position, several questions come to mind.

How do we respond to a crisis?
What are the priorities?
What actions should we take first?
How do we return to normal operations?

Crisis management is a test of the quality and characters of leaders.

The following are five steps toward a positive crisis resolution:

Predicting a Crisis

No one can predict a crisis; however, foresight and careful thought can mean the difference between life and the dreadful alternative.

Preparation is the Key

Consider the fact that a crisis plan is an insurance policy. If a crisis hits, you can spend crucial time implementing that plan instead of trying to figure out where to start. Prepare a detailed crisis strategy.

The Facts

Gather as much information about the situation from a variety of sources. Stay in contact with your management or crisis team.

Minimize danger to human life. Take immediate action If any lives are in jeopardy, address those concerns first.

Use common sense, it is a powerful tool

Think carefully through the crisis situation. If your instinct tells you that your common sense is not working, think again. Trust yourself and those around you.

-Yvonne Bornstein, author of