What are the benefits of having a single leader as dictator during a crisis? What are the potential problems with this system?

The benefit of having a single leader as a dictator during a crisis is that there is only one figure that has to make the decision as to what to do. Therefore, it makes for speedier action and it cuts out the time other figures would take arguing over who should make the decision and what decision to make.

Of course, this also means that the people will have their choice made for them over how to address the crisis, but you have to choose your battles right?