We get by with a little help from our friends

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It has been said that the friends we surround ourselves with will have a great influence on how well we get through life’s tough times. This is true for organizations as much as it is for individuals.

Relationships built during the quiet times pay huge dividends during troubled times.

The relationships that you have established between your organization and others over the years has been built on trust, understanding, professionalism and, in some cases, necessity.

When a crisis is imminent or occurring the names and numbers in your contact lists are going to be your support network. While it may seem strange to ask your friends if they will be able to help you during an incident that is exactly what you should be doing.

Here are a couple of things to consider when you’re talking to your friends:

- Enter the names and full contact information for every contact into your phone or email system. Back up this list and put a printed copy where you can access it.

- Make sure your full contact information is provided to your network of friends.

- Speak with your contacts about their capacity to assist during a crisis and wherever possible include contingencies into existing contracts or agreements.

- Finally, invite your friends over to play once in a while especially if you are conducting an emergency exercise.

Knowing who you can call and what you can expect from them is a key component of preparedness for your organization. For more information on how you can engage your friends and increase your organizational resilience please get in touch with us.