Lessons Learned from Hurricane Ike

Hurricane Ike caused enormous loss and disruption to the Texas Gulf Coast and our residents. A natural disaster of this magnitude reminds us of the many things we take for granted under normal circumstances. And as is the case with many adversities, there are lessons learned:

I cannot control everything
• I can lead, plan and execute - Leadership, compassion and ethics are crucial
• Some things are beyond my control – weather patterns, customer priorities, customer whims
• I must control the things I can- work ethic, not putting all my eggs in one basket, viewing things through a customer lens to achieve win-win solutions, looking for alternate solutions

No matter how ferocious, the storm will end
• In the midst of the hurricane or business crisis, this is not always evident.
• As soon as the storm is over, express gratitude.
• Begin recovery as soon as practical.

We are all in this together
• Teamwork is a part of most company’s stated or implied values and is essential even in a sole proprietorship.
• The necessity of teamwork is clearly evident as Houston recovers from the ravages of Ike – family, friends, neighbors, local, state and federal governments, critical businesses – grocery stores, electric providers, gas stations, banks, debris removers.
• No one can ever have too many friends/contacts.

Plan ahead
• Having a continuity plan can make the difference between quick recovery and lack of survival.
• The plan needs to be thorough and implementable. A week’s worth of provisions seems excessive until most of the area is without power.
• Work the plan. Now is not the time to write a new plan on the fly.
• It is critical however, to make necessary modifications. No plan can proceed without modifications regardless of how good it is.

Priorities change
• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs became crystal clear when water, ice, food and fuel were the most important items
• As your business grows and your clients’ needs change you will need to change -Flexibility is essential

Everyone needs something
• Sometimes the needs are basic and sometimes complex
• Needs and wants must be addressed differently
• Ask open-ended relevant questions
• Know what needs you can meet – offer additional resources for those you can’t

Attitude of gratitude
• Family, Faith and Health are enough
• Focus on what we have
• Life must go on – survivor/thriver attitude

Time is relative and distance matters
• Instantaneous responses that we’ve adopted are not always possible or positive

Everyone has a story – let your customers and friends tell theirs
• Listening is an act of compassion
• Concern, interest and understanding strengthen the relationship

Intensity drives impact
• Storm intensity drove damage
• Productive, focused business intensity drives results
• Power of 1+