In part 1 of this insightful interview, Michael Stone, President of the IFRC Alumni Association, shares his extensive experience in humanitarian response and introduces his "Twelve Laws for Effective Emergency Response." Drawing from decades of fieldwork and leadership, Stone discusses the importance of understanding local contexts, ethical action, and the need for clear communication and teamwork in crisis situations. His practical wisdom and real-world anecdotes offer valuable lessons for emergency managers, humanitarian professionals, and anyone interested in effective leadership during times of crisis.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction for Michael Stone, his background, and the purpose of the episode.
05:00 – Michael Stone’s Humanitarian Journey: Michael shares his career path, early experiences, and key lessons from international humanitarian work.
THE TWELVE LAWS FOR EFFECTIVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
1. THE LAW OF RELATIONS: Seek first to understand, then be understood. [14:32]
Michael discusses the importance of humility and understanding local context before acting.
2. THE LAW OF SEEING: People see the world not as it is, but as they are. [18:28]
Explores how personal biases and perspectives shape our understanding of situations.
3. THE LAW OF RESPONSIBILITY: At the heart of all our minds is love and fear. Examines the core motivators behind human behavior in crisis [20:24]
4. THE LAW OF LANGUAGE: The most important communication may have no words. Highlights nonverbal communication and its power in emergencies. [23:34]
5. THE LAW OF DOING GOOD: It is not enough to do good, good must be done well. Stresses the need for quality and effectiveness in humanitarian action. [26:14]
6. THE LAW OF QUANTITY: Less is more. Advocates for brevity and clarity in communication and reporting. [27:34]
7. THE LAW OF CAUSALITY: Everything is created by something before. Emphasizes the importance of understanding history and context. [31:06]
8. THE LAW OF REALITY 1: Everything is about something else. Encourages looking beyond surface issues to underlying causes. [34:22]
9. THE LAW OF REALITY 2: The act of observation alters what is seen. Discusses how the presence of outsiders can change local dynamics and responses. [37:19]
10. THE LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: Any action has results that are not part of the actor’s intention. Warns of unexpected outcomes in humanitarian interventions. [44:14]
11. THINKING: The thinking which created the problem cannot be used to solve it. Calls for new approaches and perspectives to solve persistent problems. [47:28]
12. ENDS: Bad means are not justified by good ends. Affirms the importance of ethical action, even in pursuit of noble goals. [49:14]
52:00 – Reflections and Closing: Michael reflects on teamwork, leadership, and the importance of learning from experience. I provide a preview of Part 2: Leadership insights, cultural integration, and more.
About Michael:
Michael Stone currently serves as the President of the IFRC Alumni Association, where he fosters a global network of former Red Cross and Red Crescent staff. A distinguished humanitarian specialist, he has spent decades managing complex emergency responses for refugees and internally displaced persons. Stone formerly served as the Head of International Operations for the British Red Cross, directing major relief efforts in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans. He is perhaps best known for orchestrating and leading Princess Diana’s historic 1997 anti-landmine mission to Angola, a pivotal moment in the global campaign to ban landmines. His extensive career also includes senior leadership roles with the United Nations and various international NGOs.
Listen to the second part of this interview in episode 22, where we discus effective emergency leadership/teamwork. the IFRC Georgia mission, equity, respect, and UN and NGO collaboration.
For more information on the IFRC Alumni Association:
https://www.ifrcalumni.org/
