Yet again another natural disaster has hit our nation. It was Hurricane Sandy this year, Hurricane Irene last year, and Hurricane Katrina in yesteryear. But, why is it that top government officials are seemingly caught off guard without backup plans? Is it Mother Nature’s way of teaching a valuable lesson in leadership?
Given the perpetual challenges with lack of emergency preparedness, I find myself saddened by people left stranded and without everyday utilities at the expense of consideration to still host the revenue-generating, internationally recognized New York City marathon. Of course, the event was cancelled after outcry from everyday people on local news squashed the event at the eleventh hour. Or was it cancelled due to political pressure? Regardless should it have even been a debate about whether or not to help those in need rather than hosting business as usual?
What is a leader to do when every day citizens are in distress? How should a leader respond when safety and welfare is at stake? What are the plans and backup plans and alternates to those plans that must be put into effect? Shouldn’t there be contingency plans and more to ensure better coordination and immediate assistance?
In recent years, the lessons from hurricane after hurricane have provided researchers and leadership masterminds with enough analysis to keep them busy for decades. Engaging local and federal authorities is only step one in an overall strategy. Another consideration might be coordinating with non-profit expertise such as the American Red Cross and faith-based organizations. Better yet, why not engage all the marathon runners likely stranded or already in New York City to lend a hand to those in need? Yet, I digress…
With just a few careful efforts to plan and prepare for the inevitable outcome from Mother Nature and natural disasters there can be better leadership nationwide and better support for everyday people.
Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
