We watched this past week how our local government colleagues and the people of Boston worked together to overcome the fear and tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing and its related events. The term "Boston Strong" was coined to show not only "what" the collective community did to respond, but "how" it approached its work and come out stronger on the other side. 

While tragedies of this nature are difficult to explain, they are opportunities for us to learn from one another how best to support our communities in a disaster, be it manmade or natural.  A Harvard Business Review blog entitled "When we are Hungriest for Leadership" examined "crisis leadership" and made, among others, the following points: 

1. Leadership moments come unexpectedly for each of us.

2. When leadership remains calm and composed, they can help avoid turning the reaction to the crisis into a secondary disaster.

3.  Leadership at a time like this is not just about the careful preparations and emergency improvisations of civic leaders and emergency responders. It's about being the leader your followers need, no matter your position or your title.

4.  It is the job of leaders to help us see beyond the tragedy and pain, and heal.

Toward this end, don't forget about the "human" side of disasters or tragedies in which you are involved.   As HBR says, "You encounter many people in any given day; take a day to slow down and connect with every single person you meet. Use their names. Ask about how the day is going. Try to meaningfully connect with each and every one of them. As Admiral Thad Allen said in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, collateral compassion is a good thing. It is your opportunity to help others realize their strength and find hope in the darkness."

Are you __________ (your community) Strong????