In today's rapidly changing world, "unthinkable events" has become increasingly relevant. These events are so unexpected and unpredictable that they catch us off guard and leave us scrambling to respond. Such events may be similar to black swan events or fall into the "unknown self" quadrant of the Johari Window, where we are unaware of our blind spots.
Recent examples of unthinkable events include the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the SVB bank foreclosure. While these events may seem unrelated, they share commonalities regarding their disruptive impact on individuals, organizations, and society.
Companies, in particular, need to be prepared for a vast array of disruptions that could have similar consequences to these events. While it may be impossible to predict the specific nature of these events, companies can develop strategies and contingency plans to mitigate the impact of disruptions and minimize the risk of catastrophic consequences.
One approach is to develop a culture of resilience, where organizations cultivate the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain their core functions in the face of unexpected events. Resilience requires a focus on risk management and disaster preparedness and a willingness to embrace innovation and change. Another critical aspect of preparing for unthinkable events is to ensure that communication channels are in place to keep stakeholders informed and engaged. Communication channels include employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders impacted by an unthinkable event. Effective communication can help to reduce confusion and anxiety and promote a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration.
Companies should also invest in technology and infrastructure that can support remote work and business continuity in the event of a disruption. Items to consider are cloud-based systems, virtual meeting tools, and other technologies enabling employees to work from anywhere and stay connected with customers. Preparing for unthinkable events requires a proactive and holistic approach to risk management and disaster preparedness. Companies need to be aware of the potential risks they face and develop strategies to mitigate them while also cultivating a culture of resilience that enables them to adapt and thrive in the face of unexpected challenges.
In conclusion, the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment, COVID-19 pandemic, and SVB bank closure are unthinkable events that can disrupt our lives and businesses. While we may not be able to predict the specific nature of these events, we can prepare for them by developing a culture of resilience, investing in technology and infrastructure, and maintaining effective communication channels. By taking these steps, we can reduce the impact of disruptions and ensure that our businesses can weather the storms of uncertainty and change.
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I'm Jim Lindell of Thorsten Consulting. If your organization or association needs a speaker for a keynote or breakout session on practical business topics, please call me.
In addition, if you or your team needs executive coaching or leadership development, I can help your staff reach a higher level. Please give me a call. Thank you for your time.
Jim Lindell is a National Speaker, Author, and Vistage Chair. He is motivated by helping others improve their lives and businesses.
He is President of Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc.
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controller as business manager - jim lindell - thorsten consulting group