We all talk a lot about the importance of the “people” aspects for Business Continuity – and it is more significant to position this aspect correctly when looking at the concept of resilience. Too often it is just talk, not really backed by understanding and appropriate actions.
Often we need direct involvement in a situation to really appreciate the true meaning. We also never know exactly how we will react until the situation actually arises – exercises and training only go so far.
I was exposed to the implications of trauma in a disaster situation back in 1989 after the Newcastle Earthquake, then had to apply these lessons in 1993 with direct involvement in the ‘Jolimont Siege’ and recovery (in Canberra). Valuable lessons, but often they lack that ‘edge’ that comes from direct personal impact and loss.
Things came a little closer to home when we went to Phuket for Christmas 2004, but despite the inundation of the hotel and evacuation it became more of a concern for the folks at home than it was for us on the ground. It certainly highlighted the importance of community in the response and recovery situation.
The personal impact hit directly, and significantly, a couple of weeks back. My father was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. It is a ‘worst case’ scenario.
Remarkably one of his early comments after being told of the outcome was to highlight the need to focus on getting his book finished.
Bouncing back from the impact is not enough – it is about being able to bounce forward.
Resilience starts with people. Their attitudes and the strength of their character are best measured in the hours of great challenge.
It spreads to a community (or organisation) when the values and behaviours that support bouncing forward are shared. This culture is created as a result of ongoing and regular interactions, and transmitted via a range of communal artefacts and rituals. It is not a switch that we get to turn on after an outage!
The culture of failure is transmitted the same way – it just replicates a different set of shared values and behaviours.
Do you know which culture is being transmitted in your community/organisation?
Hint – look for the role models.
Hopefully I can use the role model to also bounce forward after this recent break in transmission.
Amen!