DiAnn Mills has been at this writing caper for a long time and has become a beloved author to many, excelling in multiple genres, more recently with a focus on romantic suspense. As you can imagine, she’s learned a thing or two while researching and writing novels about people in crisis and those who aim to protect. Enjoy her take on how to respond like an FBI Special Agent when disaster strikes and the outcome depends on how you react to your situation and surroundings. After you have read DiAnn’s feature, be sure to enter the giveaway of Burden of Proof, her new romantic suspense, thanks to Tyndale House.

Over to you, DiAnn!

*****

We all would like the distinction of handling a crisis like an FBI special agent. The phrase “cool, calm, and collected” comes to mind, along with wisdom, leadership, and a big umbrella of management techniques.

Special agent training doesn’t end at Quantico; more specialized training is required for the various divisions. Suspected crimes that require the FBI’s investigative capabilities include violent crime, terrorism, counterintelligence, cybercrime, public corruption, organized crime, white-collar crime, and weapons of mass destruction.

I’m not equipped to address any of those issues! Crises in our lives may never fall under those categories, but sometimes separating fighting siblings, dealing with an irate neighbor, or negotiating in a fender bender can be just as volatile as the situations special agents face. Logic and common sense should take the lead in dealing with unpleasant happenings. What skills are needed to handle a problem other than a willingness to address the issue?

By examining the initial and ongoing training every agent receives, we can begin to put some of these admirable strengths to work in our own lives. The following eleven tips will help us work through tense circumstances that we may encounter without allowing emotions and pressure to threaten the outcome—or our sanity.

1. Respect all those involved.
2. Commit to resolving the problem regardless of how long it takes.
3. Acquire the knowledge to problem-solve and exhibit good judgment.
4. Enlist traits to mediate and resolve conflict. Dealing with emotional and difficult people can be a challenge.
5. Use a calm voice. This sets the stage for civil discussions.
6. Analyze what transpired to cause the problem. Listen objectively and ask for clarification from those involved. Repeat what was said for confirmation.
7. Respond positively to all parties. The outcome is valuable to all those involved.
8. Take leadership seriously and learn to seize control of negotiations.
9. Prioritize a plan of action and take responsibility.
10. Make decisions and accept the consequences.
11. Learn from others who have mastered the strategies needed in times of crisis.

We don’t have to be FBI special agents to act responsibly—but we can learn how to proceed appropriately when life tosses a wrench into our paths.

Thanks DiAnn!

Now, to DiAnn’s latest novel…

Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.

As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job . . . or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014. Connect with DiAnn at www.diannmills.com.

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Buy at Amazon: Burden of Proof or Koorong

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