Most crises follow a predictable path, allowing leaders to apply specific strategies at each stage:

Identifying early warning signs and developing proactive response plans .

A "crisis" is a high-stakes turning point characterized by a significant threat, an element of surprise, and a narrow window for decision-making. Effective crisis management is not just about reacting to a disaster; it is a structured discipline of identifying, assessing, and navigating serious situations from onset through recovery.