Bill Hybels has added much insight into leadership for secular as well as faith-based organizations. He is the author of many books but one of my favorites is Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs.

As I reread this book at lunch, I was struck by a phrase he used about a meeting with an employee about a serious behavioral problem. The need was urgent, the consequences dire and there was no room for misunderstanding. Bill explained that in a situation like this, he would say, “This is your 911 call.”

I like the imagery. As leaders, we need to know when a conversation (or a meeting or an event) is in the 911 category. An understated 911 conversation can have disastrous outcomes. No effective leader can afford to be less than crystal clear in 911 situations about what needs to happen, when and the consequences of action or lack of it.

There is, however, the danger of overstating a situation and making it appear to be a 911 when it really isn’t. Some ineffective leaders assign a sense of false urgency or importance in an attempt to make sure that something gets done, but they mortgage their credibility like the little boy who cried wolf.

Two important insights to remember: First, be certain a situation really is a 911 call before you make it seem as such. Second, be absolutely clear about the situation and what must happen to avoid catastrophe.

President Obama is understandably defensive about the criticism he is receiving about the Gulf oil disaster. News clips recently show him explaining that he was in the Gulf making “tough talk” and finding out whose ass needed to be kicked (really).

All leaders feel the heat whether the problems they face were caused by them or someone else. That is the nature of leadership. Bush took the heat for how his administration responded to Hurricane Katrina. Obama is taking the heat for the Gulf.

As much as tough talk is appreciated, people want results. Talking tough, placing blame or even taking responsibility mean little until the problem is solved or the situation is resolved.

The title of a book written by my friend Randy Pennington says it all: “Results Rule.”

There are many lessons for leaders here, but primary is this: don’t let the heat in the kitchen prevent you from cooking the meal. Deal with the heat. Ignore it if you can. If you can’t, address it. Just don’t let it distract you from bringing your compete attention and resources to bear on the goal.

There will be time for dealing with those who caused one of the greatest natural disasters of our time, but right now Americans want results and solutions. Not tough talk and ass kicking.

An effective leader has to get past ass kicking to problem fixing.

The media has begun posing the question, “Is the BP oil crisis in the gulf Obama’s Katrina?”

Any leader–Obama, Bush, Clinton, et al–faces challenges. Eventually most face crisis and while the magnitude varies the result is the same: their crisis leadership skills are revealed. Regrettably some leaders don’t develop the necessary skills until they are in the crucible of the crisis and by then it can be too late.

It behooves any leader to study crisis management before he or she is put to the test. History is replete with examples of leaders who have faced crisis and how they ultimately prevailed or failed. Like buying a home security system after the break-in, however, many leaders learn “on the job” when they are thrust into a critical situation.

Having a positive leadership agenda and the ability to work with others to get things done are the popularly studied aspects of leadership. Let’s not forget a careful study of crisis and how to handle it lest we find ourselves unprepared to face the crucible.

The concept of faith has many interpretations and nuances depending on one’s worldview.

Recently I heard Don Bowie speak. He is an elite mountain climber. Not only has he summited K2 (which has a 25% death rate of climbers versus Everest’s 2%), but he did it without oxygen.

He spoke of the unexpected and uncontrollable that can be disastrous if not fatal. All the preparation and training in the world don’t assure a safe ascent or descent.

His summary of the situation was eloquent. He said, “I realized I’m not in control but things aren’t out of control.” That has become my new and currently favorite definition of faith.

We live in a world where recent experience has proven that the brightest minds and best laid plans can still go amok. I think much of the anger people face today is the realization that despite their best efforts, they aren’t in control.

And that may well be. But as I was reminded by Don, that doesn’t mean things are out of control–if you have faith.