When human beings are faced with unfamiliar situations, their natural reaction is to revert to things they understand. In business, the unfamiliar causes us to stop thinking strategically and go into a tactical mode. Going tactical is a danger for CIOs who need to think strategically to achieve their objectives. Don't let the unfamiliar force you into tactical thinking. Rather force yourself to stay strategic, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you.

Of course, sometimes self-control alone isn't enough. In a crisis, our "flight or fight" tendencies take over and we sink into the fray. That's when peers need to step in give the situation context and provide clear thinking. When everyone reacts tactically, the results are often disastrous.