People panic because they fear the unknown. By using the STOP method, you give them a way to overcome the fear of the unknown and give them something to do.

As they put their mind around a specific task, they don't have time to wonder about the potential problems. A calm leader will often quell the paniced crowd. Even if you are not the designated leader, coming forth with not just ideas but viable actions can often change things.

In some siutations, you want to approach the designated leader and feed them the ideas, actions, and plan and let them present it to the crowd. Other times you need to bypass the leader and take charge yourself. I find that good leaders will listen and use good suggestions. Sometimes they will delgate that task to the one who offers the solution and other times they will manage the actual process themselves.

I find that as others panic, I tend to withdraw and think through my options. I apply the STOP method without knowing the acroynm. I also find that as I broaden my knowledge, I less often feel the need to panic. I have already mentally addressed problems and have potential solutions to implement.