Business in Times of War

As I sit down to pen this piece, the echo of recent events reverberates in my heart, eyes, and ears —a war has started in my country.

After the first, second, and following shock waves from the ongoing revealing of the horrors that took place on the 7th of October massacre conducted by Hammas, I realized It's strange how life's most brutal lessons often hold the most profound wisdom.

I've found surprising insights in this frenzy situation that started a war on my nation, insights that reshaped my understanding of resilience, my own as a freelancer and a civilian, and also of businesses in times of crisis. Let me walk you through this unexpected journey, which carries invaluable lessons for business owners, managers, and companies worldwide.

When the ground beneath you shakes, the first instinct is to seek shelter, to look for stability. This translates to resilience—staying grounded even when the earth moves. It's a trait that's been tested recently, teaching us that our businesses and companies are more than just profit and loss statements; they're living, breathing entities capable of remarkable endurance. As I've observed our local business community, it's clear that those who've woven resilience into their organizational fabric are weathering the storm.

Communicating this resilience becomes vital. It's not just about keeping everyone in the loop; it's about creating certainty in the uncertainty of war. During the war, clear, calm, and empathetic communication can anchor us. This communication strategy ensures everyone—from the local team to global partners—feels connected and assured, even when the future seems shrouded in mist. We're learning it's okay to say, "We don't have all the answers, but we're here, together, and we're figuring this out one step at a time. We will take care of our people's physical and mental state first and then do whatever we can to maintain business continuity."

But how do you do that when everyone has left their day-to-day to do the most urgent things for our country's safety? Business owners, managers, and employees run to the front as reserve soldiers or volunteer in many civil initiatives that rose within several hours or days? Everyone wants to feel meaningful in protecting our homeland.

The ones who remained at work are feeling their absence keenly and searching for solutions since this war will linger. Yet, in this gap lies opportunity—the chance for others to step up, for new leaders to emerge, for you to explore talents you didn't realize you had. It can be a great time to explore cross-training, the swift agility of temp hires as freelancers or even employees, which other companies had to send to unpaid relief, and the unexpected efficiencies when technology bridges the divide. These aren't just stopgaps; they're investments in our collective strength.

In these times, it's not just about the gaps created by the employees fighting in the front; it's also about taking care of their loved ones for them and about taking care of the community. That's where the "employer brand strength" shines more than any campaign you'll ever do. Small acts of kindness—extending a helping hand with household needs, offering flexible work hours, ensuring they know they're not alone—will keep the heart of companies beating.

In these times, the essence of business continuity takes on a new meaning. It's no longer just about keeping the lights on; it's about being a beacon in the darkness. Flexible working arrangements, mental health resources, the stability of routine—these aren't just benefits; they're a declaration that you stand by your people, come what may.

For business continuity to happen, we also must adjust our strategic and tactical business plans as freelancers, business owners, and managers. It is a crucial step in navigating this new landscape. What's the use of sticking to a path that has been irrevocably altered? The year 2024 will be unlike anything anticipated, prompting us to adjust our sails as we face the headwinds of conflict. We're not discarding our business ambitions; we're just recalibrating them not just to endure this storm but to pass through it with our sails intact, perhaps even catching wind from a new direction that propels us towards uncharted success.

As I navigate my role amidst all this, I feel the urge to help managers find and develop the best solutions for their companies' sustainability and growth in these times of crisis. Since communication and operational excellence in all of their aspects are close to my heart and have a pivotal role in the success of a company in such times, I will continue to develop solutions around it and hope that my strengths and their needs will find their way to each other. If you need any help with these topics, please feel free to contact me through the chat.

I'm closing this article on a hopeful note, with the realization that while this article started about war, it's really about peace—the peace we build within our communities, businesses, and companies, the harmony we foster among our people, and the serene determination with which we face each day. The lessons we're learning now about resilience and adaptability are the ones that will shape not just the following year but the very future of our society and business future. Let's embrace these lessons, live them—and together, we'll write a story of triumph that will be told for years to come.

So, share where and how this war found you, what you did to handle it, and what are your fears and current challenges; I am sure that I or someone in my network can help you.

Br,

Galit Rosenblatt

Change & Growth Communications Strategist |

GR Presentation Development