When you hear the words “what if”, what comes to mind? Do you link these words with “possibility” and begin thinking of all the good that comes to mind? Do you stop thinking entirely, avoiding the thought?
Two little words, yet they can be a teacher for how we interpret our thoughts, reactions and life.
Planning for contingencies at home and in business involve asking the “what if” question. How we proceed is a deliberate choice. We can seize the opportunity to evaluate what we do, how we do it and with whom we interact. We can elect to say “forget it” and allow circumstances to happen “to us”.
If we firmly believe that our “Plan A” is sufficient or if we believe there is a low probability of the occurrence, we may not be motivated to the activity and whatever lands on the bottom of our to-do lists.
Here are some steps to help you begin your plan:
- Your main goal is to maintain business operations and your home life – Look closely at what you need to do to deliver a minimum level of service and functionality at work and consider what it takes for you to function on a daily basis at home. Consider the who, what, how and when.
- Define time periods – What must be done during the first hour of the plan being implemented? The first day? The first week? If you look at the plan in this way, you’re less likely to leave out important details and more likely to consider the priorities of what’s important in business and home.
- Identify the trigger – What, specifically, will cause you to implement the contingency plan? Decide which actions you’ll take, and when. Determine who is in charge at each stage and what type of reporting process they must follow.
- Keep the plan simple – You don’t know who will read and implement the plan when it’s needed, so use clear, plain language. Make the plan yours – what is important for you to do what you do in business and home?
- Consider related resource restrictions – Will your organization be able to function the same way if you have to implement Plan B, or will Plan B necessarily reduce capabilities? How will your personal life at home function without you? What resources are needed to allow day to day life to proceed? Consider who is “on the bench”?
- Identify everyone’s needs – Have people throughout the company identify what they must have, at a minimum, to continue operations. Same at home – what is required/ a must have? Nice to have?
- Define ‘success’ – What will you need to do to return to ‘business as usual’?
- Include contingency plans in standard operating procedures – In business make sure you communicate your plan to people who will stand in for you, provide initial training on the plan, and keep everyone up-to-date on changes. At home, communication of your plan to those you have designated to step in for you is critical.
- Manage your risks – Look for opportunities to reduce risk, wherever possible. This may help you reduce, or even eliminate, the need for full contingency plans in certain areas. Proactive thinking and planning includes creating offensive and defensive activities.
- Document and Communicate – Provide documentation your planning process and make sure to communicate!
If you are curious about exploring the unknown about contingency planning at home and work and why this may be of benefit, I invite you to contact The Living Planner. We proactively help you assess your situation in business and home and explore ways for you to protect what is important to you by asking questions. What is your risk? Your plan? Are you ready to be ready?
Contact us to learn more about how we work with individuals, business owners and employees via Email or online @ The Living Planner #LifePlanningSimplified #CareForPeopleCareForBusiness