Uncover the unexamined sides of leadership behaviour that determine crisis outcomes.
A first-of-its-kind assessment combining behavioural science and organisational psychology to provide a robust understanding of leadership crisis preparedness.
Most organisations neglect the single most important variable in a crisis : how leaders respond under stress.
While identifying leadership strengths tends to be the primary focus for many firms, it's often the unexamined behavioural ‘shadow sides’ that truly shape outcomes in high-stakes scenarios. Our Crisis Leadership Assessment (CLA), led by expert coaching psychologists, offers unique insight into how leaders are likely to respond—individually and collectively—under extreme pressure. By bridging the gap between theoretical plans and probable real-world responses, the CLA helps strengthen crisis readiness, governance, and risk frameworks.
Addressing The Overlooked “Human Factor” in Crisis Management and Governance .
Decisions made in moments of heightened pressure have profound implications on the trajectory of a business. Yet this “human element” remains a significant gap in many organisations' crisis preparedness & governance frameworks. By integrating structured, psychologically-informed stress-testing into governance frameworks, Boards and CROs strengthen both leadership risk response and organisational resilience.
Regulatory demands for leadership accountability are intensifying, yet 95% of leaders say their crisis response needs improvement. PwC, 2021.
69% of senior executives experienced a major crisis within a five-year period—yet most remained unprepared. PwC, 2019.
70% of CFOs now rank crisis readiness as a top priority—yet most frameworks still overlook the human factor. Deloitte, 2025.
Famn’s robust 3-part approach is designed to bridge the gap that exists in most crisis response toolkits.
The CLA is a structured, psychologically-informed crisis preparedness and mitigation assessment for the C-suite — enabling Boards, CROs, and leadership teams to assess and strengthen the often-overlooked “human element” in crisis response, governance, and risk frameworks.
01
Individual Risk Profiles
Evidence-based individual assessments uncovering leadership risk factors—surfacing the shadow sides of personality that may undermine judgement under pressure.
02
Team & Interpersonal Risk
Facilitated group session diagnosing leadership dynamics under pressure—highlighting behavioural risk factors, decision-making patterns, and points of organisational vulnerability in crisis.
03
Organisational Insights
Debrief capturing organisational leadership risk—providing targeted recommendations to address pressure points and enhance board-level crisis readiness.
Leadership Under Stress. Understanding Hidden Patterns & Risks
Overdrive leader
FIGHT RESPONSE
Overdrive leaders control, make snap decisions, and push aggressively for immediate action.
Risk: Stifles debate and fuels groupthink—driving rushed decisions and flawed execution that compound crisis impact.
Stalled leader
FREEZE RESPONSE
Stalled leaders freeze under pressure, overanalyzing risks and becoming overwhelmed.
Risk: Hesitation delays decisions, weakens confidence, and leaves the organisation exposed when swift action is critical.
Avoidant leader
FLIGHT RESPONSE
Withdraws from decisions, deflects responsibility, sidesteps difficult conversations
Risk: Lack of clarity fuels confusion, misalignment, and fractures leadership cohesion—undermining effective crisis response.
Our impact
"Not every crisis is caused by people—but every crisis is shaped by them. How leaders respond under pressure determines whether disruption turns into disaster."
A one-of-a-kind assessment to strengthen organisational resilience
Understand how leaders are likely to respond in high-stakes moments—beyond credentials or boardroom composure.
Adaptable for individuals or organisations, this programme can be joined in upcoming groups or delivered in-house for senior leaders.
Strengthen board and CRO oversight with clear, actionable insight into behavioural risk at the top.
Interested? Book a confidential, no-obligation call with one of our team to learn more.
