In the Wake of Tragedy: Why Trauma-Informed Leadership Matters in the Face of Mass Casualties

This newsletter involves the tragic event of Air India Flight 171. 

My heart goes out to the families, friends, and communities affected by the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, India. The loss of lives in such an unimaginable tragedy leaves a profound ripple effect—one that extends beyond the immediate scene and touches all those connected to it. Tragedies like this serve as stark reminders of the fragility of life and the critical importance of trauma-informed leadership. 

Trauma is pervasive and is often misunderstood. It’s not solely rooted in individual experiences but also manifests collectively, impacting entire groups, from crew members and first responders to family members and communities. When a mass casualty event occurs, the trauma doesn’t end with the immediate loss; it continues to ripple through the lives of those involved, creating complex layers of emotional response that leaders must recognize and address. 

For the maintenance crew, questions might linger: could they have done something differently? Did they miss a sign? The emotional burden of “what-ifs” can be overwhelming, and ignoring these feelings can lead to long-term guilt and anxiety. Flight attendants, who are often the face of reassurance during flights, might be grappling with anticipatory anxiety or even fear that something similar could happen again, or questioning their own preparedness. Pilots, who hold the lives of hundreds in their hands, may experience heightened stress, trauma, or burnout, especially when faced with the news of such an incident. 

And then there is the one sole survivor—a person who, in an instant, may find themselves questioning, “Why me?” Why was I spared, while others were not? This survivor’s complex emotions could include guilt, confusion, grief, or even post-traumatic stress, all part of the trauma process. Recognizing and addressing these varied responses is a responsibility that leaders cannot ignore. 

Trauma-informed leadership is about more than just responding to crises; it’s about proactively creating environments where emotional safety, trust, and resilience are prioritized. Leaders who understand the prevalence of trauma and its effects are better equipped to support their teams through difficult times, fostering recovery rather than retraumatization. 

In the context of mass casualties, trauma-informed leadership involves several key principles: 

1. Acknowledgment: Recognize that trauma and critical incident stress is a natural response to an extraordinary event. Validate feelings and experiences without judgment. 
2. Traummunicate™: During times of crisis or trauma, communication isn’t just about information. Leaders who can foster trauma-informed communication know it’s about human connection, emotional safety, and guiding people toward hope without making false promises. Here are a few methods to “Traummunicate™” better during tragedy and crisis…
   • Lead with a calm, grounded presence and stay steady, warm, and composed. Verbiage - “You are not alone. We are here, and we are walking through this together.”
   • Speak to what people are feeling to validate their emotions. Verbiage – “What you're feeling right now makes sense. You're human, and these reactions are human.”
   • Focus on what is known and provide clear, concrete steps if you can. Verbiage - “Here’s what we know. Here’s what we’re doing. Here’s what’s next.”
3. Safety: Ensure that those affected feel physically, mentally and emotionally safe, creating space for open dialogue and support.
4. Empowerment: Offer opportunities for individuals to regain a sense of control, whether through participation, information, or support networks.
5. Collaboration: Foster a culture of teamwork and mutual support, emphasizing that recovery is a collective effort. One of us is never as strong as all of us.
6. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect cultural differences in trauma responses and healing processes.

Leaders must also be aware that trauma can manifest in various ways—manifestations that might seem unusual or challenging to interpret without proper awareness. For example, a crew member’s withdrawal might be misread as disinterest when it’s actually a sign of emotional overwhelm. Recognizing these cues can be pivotal in providing timely support. 

The importance of trauma-informed leadership extends beyond immediate crisis management; it shapes the long-term resilience of organizations and individuals. It’s about fostering an environment where those affected feel seen, heard, and supported—especially in moments when they might feel most vulnerable. 

The recent crash in Ahmedabad underscores the urgent need for all leaders, organizations, and communities to understand trauma’s far-reaching impact and to adopt trauma-informed practices. Doing so not only helps those directly affected but also strengthens our collective resilience, ensuring that we are better prepared to face the uncertainties of tomorrow. 

Let us remember that leadership in the face of tragedy requires compassion, understanding, and a commitment to healing and organizational resilience. By embracing trauma-informed principles and practices, we can foster environments where recovery is possible. 

Let me know what you think in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you! 

Ryan Gallik