May 20, 2009
These NewsBriefs are produced and delivered weekly by
Attainium to keep our friends and clients
current on topics relating to Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management.
In response to numerous requests, we have prepared this edition of news briefs to provide you
with more information on preparing for a flu pandemic. While we seem to have dodged a bullet right now,
experts cannot be sure that H1N1 flu won't be back stronger and virulent in the fall. Start planning now
to be prepared for the worst.
An informed and prepared public can take appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic.
(Item #1)
By developing a culture and mechanisms that support superior adaptive capability, companies will inoculate
themselves against a range of threats, not just pandemics.
(Item #2)
The CDC web site can be helpful as you make your plans to deal with a flu pandemic.
(Item #3)
The threat to physical health presented by a pandemic could be a chance for leaders to forge a new contract
with members of their organizations, acknowledging each member as an asset and, in the process, making it so.
(Item #4)
In the tough times, straight talk is critical, but effective communication calls for management more than charisma.
(Item #5)
Back by popular demand, this checklist can help guide your planning.
(Item #6)
As always, we look forward to hearing about your concerns
with regards to business continuity. If you have a topic
you'd like to see covered, please email me at
[email protected]
Best Regards,
Bob Mellinger
President
Attainium Corp
Quote of the Week
"It would be the first time in the history of mankind
that a pandemic has been stamped out before it happened."
- William Aldis -
Articles
1. Preparing For Pandemic Influenza - What You Can Do
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity
in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.
The federal government, states, communities and industry are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an
influenza pandemic. This site provides lots of useful information on preparing for a pandemic.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/health/whatyoucando.html
2. The Organization: Survival of the Adaptive
Much of the organizational thinking about pandemic flu has focused on preparation. Many companies,
for example, have created risk management teams to develop detailed contingency plans for responding
to a pandemic. This is necessary but not sufficient. In the complex and uncertain environment of a sustained,
evolving crisis, the most robust organizations will not be those that simply have plans in place but those
that have continuous sensing and response capabilities.
http://hbr.harvardbusiness.org/web/2009/pandemic/survival-of-adaptive
3. H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
The Centers for Disease Control web site has a great deal of information that can help you prepare
for an H1N1 outbreak, particularly if it comes back in force in the fall. The left side navigation includes
info on many topics, including one section on face masks and respirators.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
4. The Leader: Leading in a Pandemic
In a short-lived crisis, followers may be willing to overlook character flaws and settle for a leader
who acts quickly and makes the right choices. In a continuing crisis-a war or a pandemic-people want
a great deal more. They want leaders who strive to unify their followers. They want leaders with Winston Churchill's
ability to articulate the common threat and inspire people to overcome it together. Above all, they want those leaders
to be individuals who are capable of greatness and who aspire to it.
http://hbr.harvardbusiness.org/web/2009/pandemic/leading-for-long-run
5. Communication: Getting Straight Talk Right
When people face risks, they want facts that can help them make better decisions, even if they're
getting bad news. Confusing or irrelevant messages can make them uncertain and angry, forcing them
to look elsewhere for help.
http://hbr.harvardbusiness.org/web/2009/pandemic/getting-straight-talk-right
6. Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
If the H1N1 virus becomes a pandemic, your organization will play a key role in protecting your employees,
in addition to trying to mitigate the effect of the pandemic on your business operations. This checklist can help
you identify activities that will assist in your planning and preparedness.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/workplaceplanning/businesschecklist.html
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