Supervision is forced to step aside and allow those close to the work to manage the work. The rule books go out the door and finding what works is what is important. Barriers are eliminated. Anyone can talk to anyone-information is shared. Those with the needed skills or information lead regardless of rank, and all create utilizing available resources.
People learn and adapt as they proceed.
When the crisis or challenge passes, organizations often return to wasted time, little challenge, routine, disrespectful behavior, and excessive rules and supervision. Purpose is unclear. Boundaries become impermeable, and information is hoarded. People slip back to mediocrity, and the aliveness they felt dissipates. Leaders will deny, blame, seek scapegoats, and retreat to their offices.