In emergency planning and crisis management, the Loggist plays a pivotal role in ensuring accurate documentation, accountability, and clarity. While they may not be in the spotlight, their work underpins the entire response effort. So what makes a great Loggist?
Whether you’re building a crisis team, training staff, or preparing for ISO 22361-aligned exercises, understanding the core competencies of a Loggist is essential, and it is critical that appropriate training is implemented. This guide outlines the top skills that define excellence in this critical emergency planning role.
🔍 1. Attention to Detail in Crisis Documentation
A Loggist must record decisions, actions, and communications with precision and neutrality. This includes:
- Capturing real-time information without interpretation
- Ensuring logs are legible, complete, and time-stamped
- Avoiding jargon or ambiguous phrasing
This skill is vital for incident debriefs, legal reviews, and compliance with standards like ISO 22301 and ISO 22361.
🗃️ 2. Strong Organizational Skills for Multi-Agency Coordination
Crisis environments are fast-paced and complex. A skilled Loggist must:
- Structure logs for easy navigation and retrieval
- Track multiple decision threads simultaneously
- Maintain secure storage and version control
This ensures that the incident log becomes a reliable source of truth for all stakeholders.
🗣️ 3. Clear and Concise Communication
While not a decision-maker, the Loggist interacts closely with incident commanders and tactical leads. Key communication skills include:
- Confirming unclear details without disrupting flow
- Relaying critical updates when required
- Supporting briefings and situation reports
Effective communication enhances team coordination and situational awareness.
⏱️ 4. Ability to Stay Calm Under Pressure
Crisis response is inherently stressful. A Loggist must:
- Remain composed during high-pressure situations
- Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively
- Avoid distractions and maintain focus
This resilience ensures accurate logging even in chaotic environments.
🧠 5. Situational Awareness and Contextual Understanding
To log effectively, a Loggist must grasp the broader context:
- Understand the incident command structure
- Recognize the significance of unfolding events
- Anticipate what information may be needed next
This awareness adds depth and strategic value to the log.
🔐 6. Integrity and Confidentiality
Loggists handle sensitive data. Their role demands:
- Discretion and ethical handling of information
- Impartiality in documentation
- Compliance with legal and organizational protocols
Trust is paramount—especially in multi-agency or public sector responses.
💻 7. Digital Proficiency and Logging Software Skills
Modern crisis teams may use digital platforms. Where these are used, a proficient Loggist should:
- Navigate logging software and cloud-based tools
- Type quickly and accurately under pressure
- Backup and retrieve data securely
Digital competence is essential for remote response and real-time collaboration.
🤝 8. Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
Loggists work closely with diverse teams. Strong interpersonal skills help them:
- Build rapport with decision-makers
- Navigate team dynamics professionally
- Support others without becoming a distraction
They are often the quiet linchpin of the crisis team.
📈 9. Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Crisis management evolves. So should the Loggist. Top performers:
- Seek feedback after incidents
- Stay updated on ISO standards and best practices
- Participate in exercises and simulations
Logging is a discipline—ongoing training and reflection are key.
Final Thoughts
The Loggist may not command the room, but their work shapes how the crisis is understood, reviewed, and learned from. For organizations serious about resilience, investing in Loggist training and development is not just smart—it’s strategic.
By mastering these skills, Loggists elevate the entire response effort, ensuring that when the dust settles, the story of what happened—and why—is clear, credible, and actionable.