Crisis communications often involves “irascible” temperaments

Irascible /iˈrasəb(ə)l/ adj; 1. easily provoked to anger; very irritable: an irascible old man. 2. characterized or produced by anger: an irascible response. (Source: Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary)

Etymology: from Late Latin irāscibilis, equivalent to Latin irasc, equivalent to Latin irāsc- (the stem of irāsci to grow angry).

Date first recorded in English: 1350-1400

“He who gets the better of an irascible temperament conquers his worst enemy.”

 Publilius Syrus: 85 B.C. — 43 B.C.

Crisis moments involve intense emotions, including stress, grief and anger. An “irascible temperament” is not uncommon and to be expected. Yet, in managing through a crisis, it’s important to stay grounded in logic, pragmatism and proactive problem-solving. Irascibility is reactive. When actions are taken in a reactive stance, they can yield less favorable results, compared to an intentional, forward-looking strategy.