The Importance of Exercising Crisis Leadership, Command, and Coordination

At Shepherd Consulting Services, we understand that just like going to the gym to build physical strength, challenging yourself in crisis leadership, command, and decision-making is crucial to your professional fitness. In the same way that muscles grow through resistance and repetition, leaders and responders become more resilient and capable by participating in emergency management exercises.

Crisis situations demand clear thinking, quick decisions, and coordinated responses under pressure. These aren’t skills that can be fully developed by simply reading or training in isolation. It’s through immersive, realistic exercises—where the unexpected happens, where teams must communicate effectively, and where split-second decisions impact outcomes—that managers and leaders hone their abilities.

Much like how regular workouts build endurance and strength, frequent participation in emergency management exercises ensures you are better equipped to face the real-world challenges that come with high-stakes emergencies. At Shepherd Consulting Services, we find that those who challenge themselves in the exercise space not only grow in confidence but also build the mental and emotional resilience needed to lead when it matters most.



Exercising your body may keep you physically ready, but exercising your crisis leadership keeps you prepared to respond to the toughest challenges in emergency management.