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The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be unusually active, reaffirming the importance of resilience in leadership for businesses across all sectors. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts are predicting up to 25 named storms, including Tropical Storm Francine, which recently struck the Gulf Coast, raising the question: Even if you’re an entrepreneur not involved in disaster recovery, how can you prepare your business to weather any storm, whether literal or figurative?
The key to surviving any disaster, whether natural or business-related, is strategic foresight and adaptability. This is a principle we have valued at BELFOR for many years. While our work in affected areas like Florida and Georgia is important, the real lesson goes beyond responding to the crisis. It’s about being proactive – deploying resources effectively, building strong partnerships, and staying agile in the face of unpredictable circumstances. As leaders, we need to prepare for potential disruptions in our industry and ensure we have the right tools and relationships to keep our business running smoothly when challenges arise.
Below are some key lessons about leadership agility that all business leaders can apply to help their organizations respond quickly during crises and prepare for future uncertainties.
Related: How to lead and manage your team in times of crisis
1. Anticipate communication gaps
In disaster recovery, communication is not just a tool. It is a strategic differentiator that can set your company apart in a high-risk environment. While many leaders understand the importance of keeping their teams informed, the real innovation lies in proactively identifying communication gaps. It was found that in 2022, poor communication cost US companies a staggering $1.2 trillion annually. Additionally, 43% of business leaders reported that they won new business because of strong communication practices, proving that clear communication can be a game-changer even in a crisis.
In addition to regular check-ins and updates, leaders should strive to identify potential communication gaps by staying closely connected with their teams and maintaining clear and open channels of dialogue. This means regularly soliciting feedback and ensuring information flows freely and accurately at all levels of the organization, from field teams to executives. Leaders should stay on the lookout for signs of miscommunication so they can be prepared to make swift, informed decisions to move the mission forward.
2. Build mental health support into your work
In 2024, the changing landscape of work is creating new challenges for employee mental health and wellbeing, especially in high-pressure areas like disaster recovery. With over half (52%) of employees experiencing burnout due to work-related stress and 37% struggling with performance due to feeling overwhelmed, it’s clear that traditional approaches to mental health support are no longer enough.
In response, leading companies are adopting comprehensive well-being strategies that reflect the realities of today’s workforce. This includes offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate employees’ diverse needs, integrating mental health days into standard practices, and providing access to digital wellness resources such as virtual therapy and meditation apps. In 2024, we are also seeing a surge in creating psychologically safe environments where employees can openly discuss mental health without stigma. As mental health continues to be a key factor in employee retention and productivity, leading companies are recognizing that well-being is not just a benefit, but a business imperative.
Related: Prevent crises by proactively seeking solutions before problems occur
3. Use technology to refine your business model
Today’s advanced tools do more than just make operations more efficient; they empower us to anticipate changes, make proactive decisions and reshape our business strategies. For example, at BELFOR, we continuously monitor the weather and news, and use advanced predictive tools and data analytics to make accurate risk assessments. We use drone technology and tools like the BELFOR Alert app and Matterport 3D scanning to collect real-time data, enabling comprehensive assessments and informed decisions. These technologies are redefining how we approach disaster recovery, turning data into actionable insights to guide our strategic response.
Consider implementing real-time monitoring systems. These tools should be more than reactive. Don’t just react when changes happen, use these technologies to predict potential disruptions and adjust your strategy accordingly. For example, analyzing real-time data can help you identify trends and patterns that signal new risks or opportunities, allowing you to quickly pivot and make informed decisions to keep your organization ahead of the curve. Additionally, these systems can help you build business models that are flexible in nature and evolve with changing market conditions.
4. Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement
Continuous improvement is essential for any organization. At the US Environmental Protection Agency, over 11,000 employees, or 83% of employees, practice continuous improvement, which has led to significant improvements in processes, including reducing compliance times and backlogs by up to 96%. Conducting thorough debriefings after every major event to analyze what went well and what could be improved allows the organization to learn from each experience and refine its strategy. Encouraging feedback from all levels of the organization captures a broad range of perspectives and insights and fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement. At BELFOR, we see this as a commitment to growth and learning, making our team stronger and more united for the next challenge.
Related: Disaster recovery company CEO explains how business has changed in 40 years
By implementing these practices, leaders can better position their organizations to withstand and overcome any challenges during hurricane season or any other crisis. Leadership resilience is not just about responding to immediate threats; it’s about fostering a culture of preparedness, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Even one person can make a difference. With the right preparation and mindset, we can all contribute to safer, more resilient communities.
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