If you think you might like to pursue work in the field of disaster planning or emergency response, you might be wondering what personality traits are ideal for emergency management professionals to possess. Analysts at the US Department of Labor have access to a broad range of employment data, and their report on the employment of emergency management directors gives us some fantastic insights on the most important qualities that an emergency management professional needs to have:
Leadership Ability
An emergency management professional needs to be unwavering in his or her ability to take charge of an emergency situation and guide other people through it with clear, actionable instructions to follow. A person who lacks the necessary strength of character to accomplish this is likely to fail when an actual emergency arises.
The ability to command respect from colleagues, subordinates and the public is an essential component of the required leadership skills. Before and during emergencies, the emergency management professional will often need to train others in correct safety protocols, how to allocate resources properly and how to prioritize their task lists. For the group to function effectively before or during an emergency, it is essential for other group members to respect and recognize the emergency management professional’s leadership rather than undermine it.
Exceptional Oral and Written Communication Skills
It’s a rare individual who can both speak and write exceptionally well, but an emergency management professional must possess both skill sets. Clear, direct oral communication skills are mandatory when leading others through real emergency situations. Outstanding written communication abilities are important before emergencies strike, because the emergency manager must be able to communicate their disaster response plans to their colleagues, to government officials and to the public.
Interpersonal Skills
Emergency management professionals must be able to work with, and make themselves understood by, many different personality types from varying backgrounds. It’s essential that they have the ability to get along with others well and act professionally at all times, even when disagreements arise.
The Ability to Make Quick and Definitive Decisions Under Pressure
The emergency management professional must have the ability to remain calm and make the best possible decisions even under the most stressful and time-sensitive circumstances. Lives, property and money are often at stake during emergencies, and the emergency manager must be able to decisively act to protect the assets they’ve been trusted with.
Exceptional Analytical Abilities
Emergency management professionals need to be able to anticipate problems and apply logic to solve them as efficiently as possible. They need to be able to analyze the pros and cons of each possible solution to a problem. When an emergency strikes, they need to have the ability to choose the most ideal solution considering the likeliest outcomes. They need to take into consideration all the associated risks and possible costs. All this is necessary even in cases where the emergency is unexpected, and no clear plan of action had been formulated for that particular type of disaster in advance.
These are some of the main characteristics that will be most beneficial to you if you plan to seek work in emergency management. Now that you know which personality traits are most helpful for emergency management professionals, you’re better positioned to analyze whether your own temperament, disposition and skill set are a suitable match for this line of work.
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