Tamara,
Good idea! The other strength is the need to be adaptable as a crisis is in progress.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I agree, like most of the others, that you can plan for a crisis. I have my company's emergency response plan close at hand so that my first reaction in a situation would be to grab the plan, assess what what I could of the situation and look to the safety of the staff and students. While no plan can fit all, it's a beginning and can take some of the panic of what to next away. Check the plan - is it pertinent to what is happening around, does it give you any ideas of what to do next?
I agree that you can plan for a crisis. When you have a strong management team that is ready, willing and able to address the issue.Last year I was out for six weeks and a crisis came up and it was compounded by the fact that I was out. My strong team handled the crisis because though we were not prepared for that specific problem they were prepared to find solutions from the training we we put into effect.
I agree, especially when you have good, strong leaders that are able to recognize the crisis and address it.
"Plan for the worst, hope for the best" is a motto I learned early in my career(s). I find that planning to stay one step ahead of a possible situation/crisis will always allow anyone to act and react appropriately when something arises. This also allows an opportunity for growth and change when new challenges arise as well.
I do agree, it's possible to plan for a crisis situation. People are very important to a successful planning becuase of knowledge.
Select People that are "winners" that will go beyond the call of duty.
Crisis planning is an ongoing process. You will also need a back plan to the back up plan. As staff member leave the company..new members will need to be selected. This is not always a bad thing. New team members can see and think out side the box. Seeing things differently. Sometimes things maybe over looked by others...doing the same things the same way.
Yes it is possible. For companies such as the one I work for, which are located in hurricane zones; it is wise to have a contingency plan in place. There needs to be a "Plan A" & "Plan B". All staff and faculty knows where they are in the line of communication and from whom directives will be relayed
Tracy,
You are right we are never completely prepared for a crisis but we can establish some pathways for safety sake. We need to be able to adapt when needed. Just having a plan gives a start. The plan should be revisited on a periodic basis for new employees and changes that are necessary.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I agree you can plan for a crisis, but you do not want to overdo it. We have plans in place here for threats and disasters. Do we feel that we are prepared for any and everything that could happen NO. I don't think anyone ever is.
Jason,
There is a sense of safety with a plan. Then revisit your plan regularly.
Dr. Gary Carlson
It is not only possible to prepare for a crisis it imperative to do so. It is never a good feeling to get caught with your pants down, if you take the time to look at your company and look for the what if's you will be prepared and ready for the unexpected.
stanley,
Good for you, it is never good to push anything under the rug. Face up to it and plan.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I agree. Even if you haven't planned for the exact crises you may be faced with, you will probably have developed alot of useful input. Also, if you have been consistently reviewing your plans with various departments, you will have individuals ready to face the crises.
Keisha,
Being prepared is half the battle with unforeseen tragedy. Putting a crisis plan on the shelf is definitely the wrong practice. Periodic review of crisis plans will keep employees alert and aware. Often crisis plans are adjusted for changes in the work place. We know in history what happens when we are not prepared. The alternative is better.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Agree. Everyone should go over a list of possible crises that could happen at their location. Whether that be a natural disaster or something that could happen with in the company. Our company just recently had a company wide training on what to do based on disasters within our geographical location. And crises that could happen to any of our locations. Alot of times it is not something we think about day to day so it is good to have reminders and procedures set up so you can refresh on what to do from time to time. And to also let new hires know what to do if something were to happen. People always say, "It will never happen to us." But reality is if there is even a remote possiblity that something could happen then you should have a plan to help prevent the crisis or a plan to solve it.
Katherine,
Crisis plans should never be put on the shelf to gather dust. We should constantly look at them on a scheduled basis. One way to do this is to set aside a calendar date to review throughout the year. Crisis plans are a good start but remember that when a crisis occurs is when we need to be able to adapt the plan on the fly. This is the sign of a good plan and leadership
Dr. Gary Carlson
It is possible to have a plan in place for a crisis situation. All staff members should come together and reevaluate the plan and make any changes if necessary. I believe that you should keep it fresh and up to date for everyone involved.
Margaret,
You are right about the ability to plan with averts some of the issues with a crisis. Also, a great leader will take the plan and be able to adapt to issues during the crisis. It is not always possible to create all the scenarios in a pre-plan but when your plan is close you can make the changes necessary to keep the crisis at manageable levels.
Dr. Gary Carlson
In general terms, I believe that it is possible to plan for crisis situations. Althouth, not all possible scenarios can be anticipated. It is essential for the leader to take a proactive approach and train employees on the company's formal written action plans. With appropriate planning, many times the effects of a crisis can be minimized, and recovery time can be significantly reduced.
My opinion is that a sign of a competent manager/leader is one who trains and empowers his employees to take action in the absence of the manager. The manager should know that his employees will "rise to the occasion" and will know how to effectively and efficiently implement the steps necessary to avert/address a crisis.
Lani ,
It is quite simple when you have the ability to be prepared with a plan. Plans can be adjusted but the plan shouldn't be created on the fly. Your proactive planning is necessary to be successful.
Dr. Gary Carlson
