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.