This is a question that is asked but not vocalized, so you may have to bring it up yourself. In any crisis people look closest to home first. That’s nothing to be ashamed of—it comes from the survival instinct in all of us. But sometimes, when we realized we’ve stopped thinking about the big picture and have focused on our own situation, we feel guilty.

As a leader you need to remember that people are thinking about the effect on their own lives even though that might not be what they’re saying. You might have to say it for them. You might have to bring up a question you know you can’t answer. How’s that for walking out on a limb voluntarily?

The same issues we explored for the last two answers apply here. Just because you don’t know the complete answer doesn’t mean you can give an answer and promise more information as it becomes available. Remember to keep your promises, however, or none of the good will you had before the crisis will last.