Uncertainty, heightened emotions, and the adrenal stress response—these are all hallmarks of the fog of war. Whether in the trenches of a battlefield or the intensity of the White House Situation Room, this fog can cloud judgment, leading to poor decisions, overreactions, or paralyzing indecision—all of which can have disastrous consequences.

While reverse mortgage professionals may not be dodging bullets, they often face crises that seem to hit all at once. Call it fate, Murphy’s Law, or just a particularly bad Tuesday—it doesn’t change the reality that every issue still needs to be tackled head-on.

Here’s how you and your organization can cut through the fog of war and navigate crises more effectively:

1. Identify and Isolate the Problem
Follow a “ready, aim, fire” approach rather than shooting first and assessing the damage later. Address one crisis at a time—trying to tackle everything simultaneously often leads to paralysis and procrastination. Focused effort is what turns the tide.

2. Establish Clear Systems
Loan tracking, follow-ups, and addressing recurring issues should not be left to chance. Have clear, written protocols in place for handling common challenges. When everything runs smoothly in normal times, you’ll be prepared when chaos strikes.

3. Maintain Regular Client Communication
Train yourself and your team to provide consistent updates to homeowners throughout the application process. Regular communication is the best way to prevent misunderstandings, delays, and unrealistic expectations.

4. Document Everything
A strong yet user-friendly CRM system is essential for managing a flood of sales activities and ensuring critical follow-ups. Proper documentation prevents minor issues from turning into full-blown crises.

5. Pause Before Reacting
Firing off an email or making a call while stressed or emotional is a recipe for escalation. Take a breath, regroup, and then proceed with a clear head.

6. Bring Solutions, Not Just Problems
Before escalating an issue to leadership, think through possible solutions. This proactive mindset not only helps you develop better problem-solving skills but also enables your manager to provide more effective guidance.

7. Avoid Internal Conflict
Transparency and open communication within your organization prevent a blame culture. Instead of pointing fingers, foster a coordinated effort to resolve issues effectively.

8. Develop Good Instincts
If you’ve overreacted in the past, work on cultivating a measured response. Strategic thinking, practiced consistently, will train your decision-making muscle to act with clarity and confidence under pressure.

9. Prioritize Information Sharing
Encourage open communication with clear guidelines. When should a loan officer contact a processor? What are the expected response times? Defining these parameters ensures efficiency and accountability.

Preparation, planning, and execution are your strongest weapons when the fog of war inevitably descends. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow—but when it does, being prepared will allow you to face it with confidence and control.