Planning for the Long Haul

What could go wrong?

In Arizona, communities outside of Scottsdale no longer have the city as a source of water.

For ranchers, that’s really bad news, because animals need water to, you know, not die.

Consider what you and your team need in order to keep things up and running. Now might be a great time to make some backup plans.

Power? Perhaps we need to invest in some backup batteries or a generator.

Supply chain issues? Consider finding alternative providers for materials and components that you can use as backup. And don’t count on just-in-time supply systems—given the past three years, we know that’s dangerous.

Geographic expansion plans? Consider what might occur in that region in the next 20-30 years, particularly regarding climate change, political stability, and the ability to attract and retain talented staff and a strong client base.

I recommend not setting up shop at sea-level or in a desert. If you are already there, consider worst-case scenarios and make a plan for those eventualities.

Too often, we make plans based on the assumption that things that have been around as long as we have are not going to change. Or we think that “someone will find a workaround.” Well, you are that someone. As leaders, it is up to us to think ahead and protect out people and our companies. And with the world in an increasing pace of flux, make sure you know how your team will handle things when the parts of the world you count on start changing under you.

(Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash)