We know that crises will happen that will force our organizations to change or die. Resource shortages, power outtages, cash-flow problems, earthquakes, hurricanes, and leadership scandals... the question is not whether crises will happen, not whether change will occur, but when. What I wonder is, how many businesses have a serious disaster-management plan in place?
Three years ago, Tulane University had to close its doors for the first time since the Civil War. The unversity was closed for an entire semester after Hurricane Katrina. The effects of the extreme weather were profound, even though the crisis was certainly predictable. Last week, when Hurricane Gustav rolled onshore, the university's revised and updated disaster plans were tested (and fortunately, withstood the test in most respects). In this way, the initial negative impact on the organization was eventually converted into increased resilience. After all, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Other universities, and even other types of organizations, can learn from Tulane's experiences. After all, how many other organizations have a website set up like Tulane's emergency response center?
An organization that can improvise in response to a crisis is a healthy organization, able to change as is needed. Nevertheless, an organization that anticipates and plans for predictable crises is also a healthy organization -- improvisation alone may not be enough to survive major shocks. For this reason, many businesses should rewrite their disaster preparedness plans, test them, probe their weaknesses, and reinforce their strengths.
Postscript --
This post was prompted by the earthquake (4.0 on the Richter scale) that struck last night. It was the first time since I moved to California a year ago that I felt the earth move. No rolling, just some jerking and shimmying. There are plenty of resources available to help prepare for a major earthquake. Last week, I perused and set aside for future reference a magazine-like document called "Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country." This weekend, I'll be picking up that reference and working my way down its checklists, starting by making a run to Sam's Club for applesauce and canned soup, graham crackers and saltines, and plenty of bottled water.
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