In this session, we will explore one of the most overlooked aspects of being an Emergency Manager – ourselves. Drawing from the worlds of psychology and sociology, we will explore a range of subjects that directly bear on how we perceive the world, how we deal with the nature of our work, how we can expand our influence, and how we can thrive in uncertainty. Recent findings from academia and business can inform – and inspire – even as we are increasingly buffeted by more frequent and more complex incidents. Join us as we discover that who we are profoundly affects what we do and how well we do it. Key focus area include:
• The importance of stories – especially those we tell ourselves
• The critical role of non-verbal communication and the uniqueness of the human gesture
• How power and influence really work – and how to recognize that we have more power than we think do
• Persuasion and the seven principles of influence
• How people are hardwired to seek and fit into a hierarchy
• How we actually make decisions and how can we improve that ability
• The surprising ways recent technology affects us
What Will the Audience Learn:
- Attendees will understand and gain an appreciation for how their own nature determines how they perceive and interact with people, organizations, and the world at large.
- Attendees will gain an understanding of the critical nature of narrative psychology and the power of that concept for those that deal with crisis.
- Attendees will be provided with practices and tools that will enable them to directly apply key psychological and sociological concepts in their roles as emergency managers.
- Attendees will also be provided with key references and source materials for each of the key focus areas as well resources for continued learning.
Course Level: Beginner
About the Presenter
Christopher Godley, CEM serves as the Director of Emergency Management for Stanford University where he leads the University’s comprehensive emergency management programs including preparedness, mission continuity, response, and recovery. Previously, Chris led the creation of the new Department of Emergency Management in Sonoma County, California following their devastating 2017 firestorms.Chris has worked in Northern California local governments for more than 25 years. As a consultant, he managed a national team for 5 years serving government and the private sector. Chris has served in various leadership positions in response to three dozen local, state, and federal disasters. A 20-year veteran of the Army National Guard, Chris obtained his bachelor’s in psychology at UCLA and holds a master’s in emergency services administration from Cal State University, Long Beach.