First thing I try to do in such a situation is to get a clear perspective, even before asking myself what I want to do.

Sky-falling, disaster - it is dramatic, but just how dramatic is it? Are there any lives at stake? Could one or more companies get out of business? Or is it just a few jobs? Or might this just mean a busy few weeks?

Based on this evaluation, how will I communicate? Is disaster and sky-falling the right set of words? I do not want to play it down and loose credibility, yet most situations are by no means as critical as they seem - and believe me, I have been there.

Getting the right perspective helps me keep cool, even if lives are at stake. The only way to have a chance in the war room.