Attitude is key: How a humanitarian communicator can prepare well in covering emergencies?

I have been asked this many times. How do you prepare yourself?

It is a job but it is like no other. You contribute to the throng of people helping save lives, properties and restore hope. It’s a massive responsibility that rests heavy in your shoulders.

How heavy depends on the compassion and love you have in your heart. If you come so it looks good in your resume, please spare the people and don’t add to the misery.

Compassion and sensitivity. Your work can potentially help or worsen people’s suffering.

If the assignment is in another country, you will work with a lot of locals who will see your work and attitude as an example. So figure out what happens if you are being arrogant and difficult and acts like you know better. I was once asked by a local communicator why would an organization send an arrogant leader to a country like hers whose people survived decades of pain and bombing? I agree with her that it is indeed terrible callousness. Whatever your role is, think again if you are adding something useful and positive. As you write that story or social media content or produce that video, sensitivity is key. Please remember the Golden Rule.

So figure out what happens if you are being arrogant and difficult and acts like you know better.

Experience and expertise. Yes, I know we all learn as we move from one country to another, deal with all kinds of issues and nationalities from different cultures.

I get that. What I cannot get is if one says it is a learning process for them. Some even expect to be trained, especially if they come from a completely different industry. From my side of the globe, honestly, we are not accorded this luxury. We have to prove by long-term experience and track record to get the next job. At least bring a solid foundation of skills on the job so all you need adjust in the new work environment. Use your conscience if you fit the role or leave it to someone better experienced. Imagine not doing that introspection when you jumped on the job? That’s where your selflessness and true empathy will show. A good start!

Use your conscience if you fit the role or leave it to someone better experienced.

Courage, courage, courage. Lots of it. And a good dose of kindness thrown in.

When you need to cross a raging river to get to thousands of displaced people and tell their story, would you? When some colleagues decided it’s safer to wait while we walked in the mudslides in the Philippines for over a day to get to the disaster site, I was responding to a call of duty. But before I did it, I made sure my decision was based on the need, weighing the potential consequences, not bravado trying to prove something. No one is expected to be a superhuman in an emergency, and you are of no help if you become a casualty. As we are often reminded, your safety is your own responsibility and you should make it a priority at all times.

No one is expected to be a superhuman in an emergency, and you are of no help if you become a casualty.

Decisiveness. This is an absolute requirement if you are leading a team of communicators in an emergency response.

Hem and haw and lots of ahhhhs can lose the team, even the people you serve, a lot of opportunities or worse, can cost lives. You better be sure of the role before you accept it. This is already a stressful job to everyone, including people outside your team. Your indecisiveness and blunders will not help but add to the chaos and more stress. A good resume and nice words in winning a job interview are the easiest part. Doing the actual job of leading and supporting people in emergencies is the toughest part. But if you know what you are about to face, then you’re ready for the 24-hour challenge. As I’ve said over and over — a communications job in emergencies is a job in full speed. Now that you have social media, make it triple.

This is a very stressful job to everyone, including people outside your team. Your indecisiveness and blunders will not help but add to the chaos and more stress.

Selflessness. Accept when it’s time to go.

You’ll not do good to others and yourself if you refuse the fact that it’s time to leave. You see people do this and trust me, it does not look good. Leave that mark to politicians :-). Even in a bank job that does not involve people’s lives, you need to go when you’re not counting the money right anymore. It’s also best to go while you can hold your head high. Then you get ready for that next assignment.

Don’t overstay. You’re not the only one who can save the world, give others the chance.

You just hope that the next one is as (or much) better, kindhearted and well-meaning as you are. Never burn the bridge. You’ve crossed that so many times it’s part of your life. Gratitude is scarce nowadays, be among those who practice it.

When it’s time to move on, never burn the bridge. You’ve crossed that so many times, it’s a part of your life.

You leave a lifetime of memories to the people you serve and work with. Make them the best — the kind that show people someone truly cares. In the end, it’s all about the kind of relationships you left behind.

Anything you can add? Many aspiring emergency communicators, even all potential humanitarians in other fields, can learn if we share our own lessons.

“Sunlight fell upon the wall; the wall received a borrowed splendor. Why set your heart on a piece of earth, O simple one? Seek out the source which shines forever.” ~ Rumi