Waking up in a 46-degree bedroom. Eating cereal for dinner–by flashlight. Waiting 3 hours at the gas pump. Getting little or no cell service for days on end.
These are just a few of the many inconveniences that most of the Consultnetworx staff and consultants have had to contend with this past week, as we braved the wrath of Super Storm Sandy.
While we are all blessed to be safe and out of harms way, I think I can speak for everyone at Consultnetworx when I say that we learned some valuable lessons this past week.
On a personal level, I was thrilled to see my children recognize (and be incredibly thankful for) the small comforts that they take for granted every day. Shelter. Heat. Hot water. Electricity. Cable and transportation, just to name a few.
On a business level, there are three leadership lessons I learned in the wake of Sandy.
1)Crisis preparedness is a continuous process. Like most firms, we have very specific procedures in place for all employees. Communication channels and back up plans are clearly outlined in advance of any crisis. But when we were faced with limited cell service and gas rationing, our plan fell a little bit short. Ultimately, we were able to connect with our entire team. But we learned that we can—and should — always be improving our readiness. A good place to start is the America Red Cross Ready Rating Program at:http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/workplace
2)Employees need emotional support. When disaster strikes, put things in perspective. Is it really important for business emails to be checked and replied to when the only way to charge a smart phone is to use a car charger in the midst of a fuel crisis? Adding unnecessary demands to a stressed out workforce is a surefire way to alienate employees. Whether you need to stagger the schedule to soften a daunting commute, or allow employees to stay home and work remotely, flexibility and understanding should come first. Sure, some staffers are vital to the health and wellbeing of others, and simply MUST get to work. But if non-essential personnel are dealing with a crisis situation, let them figure out a way to get their work done in their own time, in their own way.
3)In everything there is a silver lining. This past week, I saw people forced out of their homes by fallen trees, worried about elderly parents they were unable to reach, afraid to travel because of limited gas supply and more. With all of the frustration, uncertainty and loss, my Sandy experience reminded me that Consultnetworx biggest asset is its People. In any crisis, first and foremost we must care for our staff. Sure, this recognition ultimately increase engagement, retention and team work. And, putting people first also humanizes those sometimes-sterile and overly-contrived corporate brands. But at the end of the day, putting people first is really just doing what is right.
Companies large and small invest time, energy and money to pitch their progressive employee benefits, promote their work-life balance and sponsor wellness programs. But at the end of the day, do they walk the talk? Sometimes it take a crisis to see a company’s true colors.
