Volcanic Ash and Your Business

Ever felt like you just can't see what's coming next in Business or in Life? Sure you set your plan and put your coordinates in - you know, the organisational and personal KPI's. You straighten up and try to fly right but still can't quite reach the destination with ease! Are you trying to fly the business by yourself or are you sharing the cockpit with people who make up for the skills you don't have?

Is your business set up to quickly adapt to changing circumstances? Can you and your team cope with change in a positive way. Are your communication skills up to scratch? What are people hearing you broadcast over the PA - "This is the end. Assume the crash position!"
OR
Are the people on your team joining you and reassuringly saying to passengers (customers, suppliers) "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain Drew Confidence from the Flight Deck, accompanied by First Officer Do-Wright & Cabin Manager Your-Safe. We may be encountering a little turbulence, but do expect to make our destination with only a small delay. We want to thank you again for choosing to fly with us". Which would you rather listen to?

Do you want every aspect of your business to be first class? This includes your people, your processes and your daily practices. So if we're flying together in business it's important we understand what's going on around us - where we're safe and where we may be at risk. The environment can have serious impact on your Business: your people, your timeframes, your production, your consumers and your profits.

What are you going to do now about the stuff you can't control? Let's be strategic and identify your options:

* Have you been through anything in the past that can offer you insight into the best way to respond?
* Are there people around you that you can learn from?
* How are you going to let your customers know you really care that this might affect them?
* What can you do to protect your Brand?
* How do you keep running a business and weather the financial storm?
* What are the issues at a local level that may impact you and your business?

Mind mapping is a terrific tool to help you unpack the different scenarios that may occur. Meeting with people who have more experience than yourself offers an untapped source of information. Dedicating a set time each week to work on future proofing your business is critical. So too is rest!

The volcanic ash won't always be around and you will have clear skies again. Plot your position now. Get the right people - the right temperament, the right skills for what's needed to land this thing. Know what external assistance is available to call on in emergency. Maintain communication with every stakeholder. Identify different ways to reach your destination. Be as ready as you can be. Then relax. Everything else is in God's hands right?

Tarran Deane
Tarran is a Speaker, Author, Executive Coach & Seminar Presenter.
Passionate about people embracing their ability and living for a cause greater than themselves, Tarran helps Leaders to get on with the job of implementing Vision, shaking the status quo and loving the work they do.