In the world of law enforcement, decision-making happens in real-time. Every moment counts, and the ability to pivot with the situation can mean the difference between success and failure. For Chris Mashburn, the lessons learned in on-scene crisis management have become the foundation of his success in the corporate world. This gives him a unique perspective on business crises built on adaptability, strategic thinking, and proactive leadership.
Thinking on Your Toes: The Law Enforcement Mentality in Business
Throughout his career in law enforcement, Mashburn was constantly faced with unpredictable, high-pressure situations. He emphasizes the importance of always having multiple solutions ready at a moment’s notice. “In law enforcement, it was real-time execution. It happened quickly, and you had to learn to think on your toes to always have a first, second, and third option,” Mashburn explains.
This strategic approach has proven invaluable in the corporate world, where unexpected challenges can arise just as quickly. 
Mashburn believes that executives who approach business crises with the same mindset will see greater success. “If I go into an issue in the business world with only a singular plan, it’s hard to come up with solutions in real-time,” he explains. “But if you go in thinking strategically, knowing that you need at least three different solutions available, it can make a significant difference.”
The Importance of Proactive Leadership
According to Mashburn, one of the most critical mistakes that executives make when handling high-pressure situations is being reactive instead of proactive. “Going into a crisis open-minded and thinking ahead is key,” he advises. “In law enforcement, you had to be three steps ahead to prevent a bad situation from becoming life-threatening. The same applies to business. You may be more likely to avert a bad outcome if you’re thinking ahead.”
Proactive crisis management means preparing for multiple outcomes and being flexible in execution. “Having two to three to four different case scenarios to carry into a crisis situation is extremely beneficial,” Mashburn adds. Leaders who can anticipate challenges and plan accordingly will be better equipped to navigate even the most complex situations.
The Power of Improvisation in Leadership
In both law enforcement and business, rigidity can be a serious liability. Mashburn strongly advocates adaptability and improvisation. “The more rigid you are in your thought process the worse the outcome is going to be,” he states. “If you’re rigid and can’t think on your toes, you’re more likely to come out of a situation with a less-than-positive outcome.” This belief aligns with the idea that business executives should embrace improvisational skills to enhance their crisis management abilities. “Everybody should take classes. Do whatever you need to do to learn to improvise and be flexible—not be rigid,” he emphasizes.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Crisis Management
When asked about the biggest mistakes companies make when handling crises, Mashburn points to a lack of flexibility. “Go in flexible. Be able to ebb and flow depending on what the situation throws at you,” he advises. “One of the biggest mistakes I see today is executives going into an incident with a fixed mindset, only to see it fail because they weren’t willing to adapt.” By remaining open to new perspectives and embracing agility, executives can position themselves for better outcomes. “You’ve got to be flexible. You’ve got to be willing to change your thought process,” Mashburn reiterates.
The Future of Leadership: Adaptability is Key
Mashburn sees flexibility as the defining characteristic of successful executives. “The economy is ever-changing. What worked for businesses five years ago may not work today,” he notes. “It’s not about what was happening 20 years ago—or even last year. It’s about what’s happening today.” Technological advances are rapidly reshaping industries. “AI is a big indicator of that,” Mashburn explains. “Generative AI components are changing almost daily, forcing business leaders to embrace these changes and think differently.” Executives who can adapt to these ongoing shifts will be the ones who thrive in the years ahead.
For more insights on crisis management, business leadership, and adaptability in the corporate world, follow Chris Mashburn on LinkedIn.
