When You're On The Job, You Are The Job.

Last week, in my Higher Education Law class, we had guest speakers from LSU Police and the LSU Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to talk about how their jobs pertains to higher ed law. [Duh] The EOC is charged with making sure that the University can run and operate during emergencies [Duh, again]: severe weather, campus shootings, bomb threats, massive epidemic outbreaks, etc..

While the director of the EOC was speaking, I stared, in awe, as she talked about some of the stuff that she deals with during crisis situations -- and how she manages a group of 30,000 + people during any given crisis. I was intrigued to say the least and she was nothing short of amazing. It was 2 full hours of "aha moments".

In her closing remarks, she left us with some very helpful advice as we move forward into professional roles: When you're on the job, you are the job. When she is working in the EOC, she is the crisis manager and has to serve (thousands of people) accordingly. No time to worry about what the local news thinks or how the student newspaper will misconstrue decisions/actions; no time to be emotional; no time to worry about anything but managing the crisis. You act. You are efficient. You make the best decision(s) possible.

The same is for a doctor. A lawyer. A counselor. And yes, a student affairs professional. When you're on the job, you are the job. Do what is necessary for those you serve so that their needs are met.