EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

Way back before “contingency plans” were in vogue, my attention was drawn to the need to have an understanding of the day to day activities of team member, due to serious illness.  As a department head at the time, I was driven to create “step-in plans” due to what felt like necessity. How would we, could we continue delivering to our clients if we hadn’t a clue about what they did? This practice has continued throughout my global career has served so many that it’s time to bring it to light.

What do I mean by “step-in readiness”?  Contingency is defined as, “a future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.” OR, “a provision for an unforeseen event or circumstance.”  Looking beyond the circumstance involves considering the people who would be impacted by the circumstance.

THIS is the area that is often overlooked.  When something happens, what really happens?  What is the cause/effect?  Who is impacted?

Consider your home life, your work life, your social life … what provisions have you taken in the case of “an unforeseen event or circumstance”?   Stay with me here for a minute, this can be enlightening and actually help you while living your day to day lives!

Step-in readiness consists of four steps:  processes, people, documentation and communication.

PROCESSES – Consider what you do in a given day, week, month, year at home, work, socially.  You have unique skills, talents, responsibilities.  What is it that makes you, you?  How do you gain access to places, people and information that allows you to complete the tasks of your day? 

PEOPLE – Consider who is impacted by and through all you do.  Consider those around you and those beyond your daily grasp who are impacted by what you do.  Should you be out for a period of time, who is impacted?  How might you buffer the impact in case? 

DOCUMENTATION – Consider the ways you have information documented to allow someone access to your immense knowledge base.  What steps have you taken to provide a road-map for others?  What steps can you take beginning today? 

COMMUNICATION – Consider how people would know what you know, what you do and how you feel about it.  How open are you with family, colleagues, partners, friends about “life” and your impact at all?  High-level discussions are one thing.  Granular discussions inclusive of details are different.

Over the years I’ve seen the discomfort, the avoidance, the aversion and yes, those who embrace this thinking, planning and executing.  Do you prefer to find things out “the hard way” or learn through discussion and understanding?

Discussion and understanding has opened me up to building my mental muscles and gaining strength emotionally.  During those times of “unforeseen circumstances” the pressure is intense.  Having mental muscles helps us proceed with a plan, a purpose and process the emotions that arise.

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