Psychologist demands a clear course: Mayor of the crisis tower!

Psychologist demands a clear course: Mayor of the crisis tower!

In the past few days, the outdoor pool in Gelnhausen makes headlines. The local mayor, Christian Litzinger, is exposed to considerable public pressure. The reason for this are unfortunate statements in an interview with "Welt TV", in which he was accused of trivializing the cases of sexual harassment in the outdoor pool. As a result of this controversy, Litzinger apologized to the Axel Springer-Verlag, but emphasized that in this mixture he was also confronted with insults and even threats to murder, against which he defended himself legally, but without success.

The renowned psychologist Mercedes Mende, who has been advising mayor in crisis situations for more than a decade, emphasizes in their commitment that managers have to offer clarity, orientation and structure in difficult times. "Emotions of the citizens should be taken seriously," explains Mende. She warns that a lack of leadership creates a dangerous vacuum that is often filled by projections and polarizations. This dynamic not only leads to a loss of trust in public administration, but also to an escalation of the emotions, which are often expressed online in the form of hatred and aggression.

crisis management in municipalities

crisis management is not a new topic for municipalities; It was important in many cases. Mende refers to the need for faster, considered decisions and clever communication. Also the literature on the topic, such as it can be found, for example on PANREFLEX.de , deals intensively with recommendations for action to improve processes and learn from past crises. It also offers concrete application examples that are of relevance for municipalities.

Special attention should be paid to the role of civil society, which often represents a crucial voice in times of crisis. Mende emphasizes that mayors have to take responsibility in crisis situations in order to counteract both personal and public hostility. "It will be important to be human and to endure uncertainties," continued Mende. This approach, coupled with psychological support, could benefit enormous benefits for such leaders.

When Mayor like Christian Litzinger are faced with such a complex challenge, it is all the more important that they are not left alone. Psychological support and the exchange with experts, as Mercedes Mende it offers, could help to bridge the emotional and communicative gap and to gain trust in the population again.

For everyone interested, the topic of crisis management is not only academic nature, but also affects the quality of life in our communities as we experience them every day. The responsibility for the preservation of a functioning communities lies in the hands of those who are willing to face these challenges and find solutions.