A "Go Bag" is a pre-packed bag that first responders, special forces, and prepared families use to facilitate quick deployment during a crisis or emergency. A "Go Bag" has everything needed to execute a safe and sustainable move from the current situation to a new one. Although you probably won't need a physical bag (although there is a lot to learn from NZ and Mexico about their Earthquake prep kits), you will need to prepare your leadership with a virtual "Go Bag".
What needs to go into your "Leadership Go Bag"?
- Emergency Response Planning: A well-defined and regularly updated emergency response plan is crucial. This includes protocols for evacuation, communication, and coordination with relevant authorities. Lists of key names and contact details, a prepared email distribution list of whom to notify, including key stakeholders, local authorities, and suppliers.
- Safety and Communication: Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and the wider community is your top priority. Clear communication channels and protocols for disseminating information to employees and others are essential. Having email lists and other messaging services and an alternative not within the organisation's infrastructure in case of cyber attack. Prepare times, dates, and channels for information distribution to ensure everyone knows when, where, and how to access information.
- Business Continuity Planning: Establishing strategies to maintain critical business functions during and after a crisis is vital. This includes backup systems, remote work capabilities, and alternative supply chain arrangements. It also includes leadership structures and decision rights planning that incorporate the loss or unavailability of senior leaders.
- Crisis Communication Plan: A comprehensive communication plan with stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the public, helps manage information flow and maintain transparency. Ensure the plan contains information about information channels, authorised communicators and ways for others to get in touch with you.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Ensuring the supply chain's resilience prevents disruptions. Diversifying suppliers, having contingency plans, and maintaining solid relationships with key partners are essential components. Consider looking beyond your Tier 1 providers to establish relationships with Tier 2 or 3 entities.
- Financial Preparedness: Companies should have financial contingency plans, including access to emergency funds and a clear understanding of the crisis's financial implications. These plans must include a list of core payments that must be actively managed and a list of secondary payments that may be delayed.
- Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with relevant laws and regulations is crucial, especially during a crisis. This includes understanding and adhering to safety standards and legal obligations. Notifying the relevant bodies in an event requires knowing the appropriate body and contact details.
By addressing these key corporate needs, organisations can enhance their resilience and better navigate emergencies or crises, minimising potential damage and facilitating a smoother recovery process.
What's in your "Go Bag"?