I will help you with sound advice and training to resolve problems and crises by using the possibilities of communication and to achieve your justified objectives faster and more safely, with lasting effect.
All crises are solved through meaningful communication. The sooner it starts, the better.
In crisis, people communicate. With themselves, their team, stakeholders, the opposite party.
Interpersonal communication is the most efficient resource at our disposal when facing the obstacles to overcome crisis. It provides orientation, describes the problem from every angle and enables creativity, coordination, and the chance for cooperation between all parties. Verbalised facts and assessments become options for action.
Communication is a pathway to finding a solution. Used purposefully, it establishes a connection to the other party, reaches their interests and emotions and addresses people in their individuality. Through dialogue, changes are achieved that may overcome seemingly unsolvable problems, existential crises, and life-threatening dangers.
This requires courage, the will to take decisions, and action.
Taking brave decisions in critical situations means trusting your team and yourself.
Deciding does not only mean making the best choice based on analysis and the information at hand at that moment in time. It means, above all, knowing yourself, your team, your environment, and trusting your intuition. Being able to prioritise the issues at hand. It means being able to say no or to say sorry when it is necessary. Brave decisions are not taken every day but relate to exceptional situations.
Decision making at this level is characterised by inspiring and empowering people and raising realistic hopes. This atmosphere opens up new perspectives and the freedom to think creatively and innovatively. It encourages collaboration and considers alternative actions for all people concerned. Beyond problem solving, brave decisions can have a lasting effect and create values.
What 21 years as a crisis and hostage negotiator have taught me: Crises can rarely be prevented but can often be solved.
With effective teamwork, as a leader, and independently, I have been exposed to many threatening situations and discovered alternative solutions to resolve the crisis. I am experienced and recognise the dynamics of these situations. I deliver sound advice to individuals and decision makers from enterprises and governmental bodies to shape and manage the crisis, primarily by effective communication, building trust, encouraging and creating the right environment to take brave decisions. All with the aim of bringing the crisis to a safe, credible, and successful conclusion.
February 1995 to December 2003
Serving in the Parachute Reconnaissance Company 17 of the Swiss Air Force as soldier (militia system of the Swiss Armed Forces).
May 2003 to April 2007
Serving in the Tactical Firearms Unit Enzian of the State Police Berne as officer, specializing as a precision marksman, deployed in increased risk situation and dignitary protection. Implementation of mental training as part of regular education. Absolving in-service training in Psychology in cooperation with the University of Berne.
December 2001 to December 2013
Member of the Crisis Negotiation Unit of the State Police Berne in a part-time capacity, dealing with suicide threats, barricade, crisis situations and blackmail in the canton of Berne. From May 2007 Head of the Crisis Negotiation Unit in a full-time position, negotiation in kidnappings abroad as of December 2008.
January 2014 to December 2022
Head of Crisis Management of the Federal Police Switzerland, from 2017 Head of Special Situation Response Unit and Head of Negotiation Unit of the Federal Police. Management of police crisis situations at home and abroad and of kidnappings abroad on five continents.
August 2008 to December 2022
Member of the Strategic Board of the European Network of Advisory Teams for Kidnapping, Hostage Taking and Extortion (EuNAT), Vice-Chair from August 2018 to August 2020, President of EuNAT from August 2020 to September 2022. Member of the International Negotiators Working Group (INWG), November 2015 to December 2022. Training activity and lectures in 18 countries. From August 2009 to March 2022 Instructor at courses for Police Crisis Negotiators at the Swiss Police Institute, Course Director from May 2015 to March 2021.
Get ready for the unknown.
What I have to offer - sound advice
When dealing with problems and crises, it is worthwhile to seek advice. Regardless of the time limit you face, be that minutes, hours, or days.
Individual coaching / coaching for teams
I. Agreement on the assignment
II. Coaching
III. Conclusion, evaluation & feedback
Coaching from the background
I. Agreement on the assignment
II. Coaching
III. Conclusion, evaluation & feedback
Tailored service
I. Agreement on the assignment
II. Providing the service
III. Conclusion, evaluation & feedback
Learn more here
The experience of many crisis coaching sessions is available to you. My services can be adapted to your specific needs and requirements with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
Boost your Negotiation skills.
What I have to offer - Training
Being able to do something and having the potential for a skill are two things. Training makes the difference.
1 Day Training - Communication & Negotiation in Crises
(For companies and groups)
I. Agreement on the assignment
II. Training
III. Evaluation & feedback
1 Day Training - Brave decisions
(For companies and groups)
I. Agreement on the assignment
II. Training
III. Evaluation & feedback
Tailored Training
I. Claryfing needs and proposal
II. Agreement on the assignment
III. Training
IV. Evaluation & feedback
Learn more here
I have been training specialists in Switzerland and abroad in negotiation and crisis management since 2007. Benefit from this experience to master your challenges or shape your organisation's response to an unexpected and critical event.
Let me take you on a journey.
What I have to offer - Lecture
Fiction provides entertainment. Real life experiences inspire audiences.
Lecture - Topic crisis negotiation 30-60 min
I. Agreement on the assignment
II. Lecture
III. Feedback to client
Lecture - Tailored content
I. Agreement on the assignment
II. Lecture
III. Feedback to client
Learn more here
The extraordinary stories of my professional life have shaped me. Those events I am privileged to report on provide a unique insight into crisis management.
At your service.
Contact
Would you prefer other media for communication? Come and join me here.