Unprepared vs. Inept: Lessons from a Winter Storm

This week in Houston, Texas, we faced an unusual chill—temperatures plummeted to the 20s, with a hard freeze looming. A light rain added to the mix, setting the stage for chaos and danger on the roads.

First, we should discuss the ineptitude. It's abundant, but let's pinpoint two glaring examples. Ignoring warnings of icy conditions, particularly on bridges, isn't an invitation to unleash your latent racing driver. Predictably, this resulted in numerous accidents. Equally reckless is attempting to defrost a windshield with a water bottle and rag while driving at highway speeds.

But it's the unpreparedness that resonates with the business world. Consider the public works team that was content with their bridge-deicing efforts. As a New England native, I know well that without a generous application of rock salt, sand, and the latest deicing chemicals, a bridge is a treacherous path. In Houston, a glorified leaf blower to dry the road simply won’t suffice.

This mirrors how some companies handle their human resources. Whether due to neglect or a lack of readiness, they fail to address the nuances of human behavior. Through my work with various organizations, I've seen that good intentions can be overshadowed by external pressures, leading to unpreparedness or misguided choices.

Companies typically fall into one of three categories:

1. Prepared: These organizations integrate behavioral assessments throughout the employment lifecycle, from hiring to development. They utilize these insights for coaching, conflict resolution, and building teams with a strong sense of psychological safety and shared purpose.
2. Intentionally Unprepared: They recognize the need for the tools and strategies of a prepared organization but either undervalue them or lack the resources—often indicative of deeper systemic problems.
3. Unprepared: They're aware of internal issues but need help addressing them. A CEO once described their corporate culture as "sour and bitter, full of infighting." Recognizing the problem is the first step toward preparedness.

Could you reflect on your organization? Can it weather the storms of uncertainty and change? If not, it's time to adopt the Boy Scout motto and "Be Prepared."

Photo: City of Sugar Land - Link to Photo