Adapatation – Key to Resilience
Nelson says that a resilient organization achieves its core objectives under all conditions. [1] Understanding and anticipating what ‘all’ means can be critical and is probably a daunting task. I propose that we (an organization) cannot anticipate all conditions, stresses, or unforeseen impacts to our business. Therefore, we should prepare in a proactive way to put systems and processes in place that are strong and can withstand a variety of stresses. We must institute an adaptable approach to how we manage and lead our organization.
After reading Oldfield’s discussion on organizational resilience in Continuity Insights, I was struck with his direct approach to the subject of adaptation as a key ingredient. He used a quote from Darwin that we know as “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” [2]
If adaptation is critical to survival, then I think it becomes a key element of a resilient organization. As is the case with other disciplines, sports games, or even relationships, without the strength, fortitude, and capability to adapt to new situations, the game is lost or the relationship fails. If that relationship is between a company and its customers, a city and its citizens, or an organization and its members, then there is a lot at stake.
There are many other important aspects of resilience in an organization not to be dismissed. Another which stands out for me is the concept of sharing of information across platforms and people – the concept of interoperability. [3] As the world becomes less physically close and more virtually close, there can be more threats and ways of disruption and also more opportunities for success and productivity.
I think our (business, organization, people) ability to share in the planning, share in the crisis, and share in the recovery is a new way of looking at how to be resilient during the next several years.
References
[1] Nelson, Lynnda ,2010. “Characteristics of a Resilient Organization”, from Norwich MSBC Seminar 3 Lecture.
[2] Oldfield, Robert. 2008. “Organizational Resilience“. QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd. Source accessed 3-7-10: http://www.continuitycentral.com/feature0618.html
[3] Solomon, Richard and Brown, Sheryl, J., 2007. “Creating a Common Communications Culture: Interoperability in Crisis Management“, Virtual Diplomacy Initiative, USIP, United States Institute of Peace.
Organizational Resilience | blogadmin March 7, 2010