With every crisis, opportunity follows. The more skilled you become at navigating crises, the easier it is to recognize and seize that opportunity. One of the most essential tools for doing this that I have found over the years is compartmentalization. This mental discipline allows us to separate conflicting thoughts and emotions, enabling us to function effectively even in chaotic environments. But why is compartmentalization so crucial during a crisis? Without it, we risk falling into “decision paralysis,” where conflicting emotions prevent us from making the necessary choices.
When you hear the term compartmentalization, it may have some negative connotations. In psychology, it’s often discussed as a subconscious defense mechanism—a way people avoid the stress and anxiety caused by their own conflicting emotions and values. Compartmentalization allows us to function despite these opposing ideas by mentally isolating them. This can sometimes be harmful if it leads to rationalizing actions we know are wrong or avoiding responsibilities we know we should take on.
However, there’s a significant upside to compartmentalization, particularly in crisis situations. When faced with divergent emotions or “mixed feelings” about a person, situation, or event, these emotions can cloud our judgment and prevent us from acting decisively. We become trapped in decision paralysis, unable to move forward. But by compartmentalizing our feelings, by putting them in separate corners of our minds, we can more effectively assess what’s happening and make the necessary decisions.
Imagine you’re a leader overseeing a large team during a significant corporate data breach. On the one hand, you’re grappling with intense pressure from upper management, demanding immediate answers and swift action. On the other, you’re dealing with your team’s growing anxiety as they worry about the implications of the breach and their responsibilities. Emotions are running high, and conflicting priorities pull you in different directions.
In this situation, compartmentalization becomes your greatest asset. You consciously separate your personal stress from your professional responsibilities. You recognize that while your own fears and frustrations are valid, they can’t be allowed to interfere with your decision-making. You focus on the facts, ensuring the breach is contained, the necessary reports are filed, and your team remains calm and productive. By compartmentalizing your emotions and external pressures, you can keep your composure and lead effectively through the crisis.
This ability to compartmentalize allows you to seize the opportunity within the crisis—to demonstrate leadership, maintain trust, and guide your team through a challenging time without letting your emotions cloud your judgment.
In the midst of a crisis, compartmentalization becomes not just a tool but a survival mechanism. It enables you to keep your focus, make rational decisions, and find opportunities within the chaos. Mastering this skill can be the difference between being paralyzed by the crisis and navigating it successfully. By compartmentalizing effectively, you can ensure that opposing ideas and emotions don’t derail your response, allowing you to lead with clarity and purpose.
At the end of the day, compartmentalization isn’t about avoiding reality—it’s about creating the mental space necessary to handle reality, especially when it is difficult and complex. The better you become at compartmentalizing, the more equipped you’ll be to find opportunities in crisis and use them to your advantage.
About Gina L. Osborn
Gina’s career began in the U.S. Army’s Counterintelligence Program investigating high-profile espionage cases in Germany at the end of the Cold War. After graduating from the FBI Academy in 1996, Gina became the only FBI agent on a task force addressing Asian organized crime in Orange County. Post-9/11, she coordinated counterterrorism efforts in Los Angeles and led the FBI’s Cyber and Computer Forensics Program, notably investigating the Sony Pictures hack. In 2022, as LA Metro’s Chief Safety Officer, she reduced violent crime by 34% before being unlawfully terminated after a whistleblower complaint. Now an international speaker and host of Lead Like a Lady podcast, Gina shares insights on authentic leadership, leading through chaos, crisis, and change, and rising to the top in male-dominated fields.
To learn more about Gina’s speaking topics and book her for your next event, visit www.ginalosborn.com.