How Natural Disasters Expose a Crucial Flaw in How Leaders Think

Dear reader,

Welcome to this week's edition of "Elevations."?

The ageless motto of the Boy Scouts of America, "Be Prepared," reminds us that leadership is key in times of crisis. The recent back-to-back hurricanes that struck the southeastern United States have raised questions about our readiness, resources, and the resilience and humanity of most people in the face of tragic circumstances. It's a call to action for strong, proactive leadership.

It's easy to see the heroics of leaders who come to the rescue when disasters strike. However, it takes a lot of searching to find leaders who make it possible and necessary for people to be prepared in the first place. Countless leaders are impressive at preparing to avert or lessen the impact of life-threatening events with things like plans, budgets, systems, and critical provisions. But preparing people so they will take heed of warnings, coordinate their efforts, and execute carefully devised plans is where most leaders struggle. This is no different than the problems most business leaders face every day.

This week's essay, below, speaks to how we must address this crucial flaw now in the face of yet another reminder that we all can and must do better.

Wishing those affected by these events - our condolences for loved ones lost and sadness for the hardships so many are now forced to endure. And for all, I wish you a good week ahead.

prl

How Natural Disasters Expose a Crucial Flaw in How Leaders Think

The tragedy that unfolded following the fury of Hurricane Helene ravishing the lives of millions of people in the southeastern United States is heartbreaking. Expectedly, some people curse God, others their politicians. Some people, while still reeling and numb from the impact, find gratitude in being alive as they come to terms with their homes and belongings being washed away or their dreams going up in smoke.?

Whenever natural disasters strike, people look past the source of the devastation and toward the leaders they depend on for not being prepared in the first place and then a swift response and needed relief. Most people lack a critical understanding of leadership, which renders them ineffective when facing the kinds of challenges where they are most needed. The problem isn’t the ability to manage things. It is that you cannot manage people. The only way to influence people’s behavior is through effective leadership.

This is the same problem the CEOs and business leaders I work with often need help with. They are typically successful because they are good at managing things. However, the real driver of success rests in your ability to influence and guide the behavior of others, especially when facing adversity.?

As hurricanes approach, some victims choose to remain in harm’s way, risking their safety and the lives of those charged with rescuing them. The agency to make choices, good or bad, is a fundamental right in a free society. But all choices have consequences, and when one person’s poor decisions impact others, it is the job of leaders to exert their influence for the sake of the common good. This is essentially why leadership is necessary to prepare people for crisis.?

When storms arrive with advanced warning, people shore up levies, board windows, and stack sandbags. They evacuate while it’s still possible in vehicles already fueled up and packed with whatever necessary supplies and precious valuables they can protect.

But when a crisis comes without warning, whether borne by nature or the circumstances businesses face daily, the things most crucial aren’t what you prepare for; it's the people who must know what to do and be ready to act. No matter how well you manage things, from provisioning supplies to developing disaster response plans, it is the execution before, during, and after a crisis that determines the outcome. Leaders don’t prepare people; they make it necessary and possible for people to prepare themselves.?

Many people in Asheville, North Carolina, knew of the potential dangers of significant storms that travel in from the coast. Yet the community was unprepared for the devastation caused by the river flooding. People are resilient and come together in times of need after the fact. But to prevent similar tragedies, we must understand that no matter how well we manage the things that threaten us, our best hope lies in people being ready and able to make and act on better-informed decisions. This is why leaders must learn to think this way and why we need more leaders who do.

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You can access over 150 other pieces on business leadership and related topics at the ALPS BLOG atALPSLeadership.com.

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