Last week I discussed the leadership quality of being willing – and the ability – to “look ahead” and ascertain “what is or could be occurring.” As I mentioned then, this is an essential quality for those who are in leadership. While it can indeed be difficult to accurately assess the current situation, size up the factors that are affecting where we are headed, foresee what is on the horizon, and determine what to do in light of the potential realities, there are things we can do to prepare.
Yes, prepare. This is particularly true when it comes to issues such as natural disasters. And there is no time like the present to prepare.
It’s September. And the month of September is National Preparedness Month in the United States. This month, the US Federal Government is asking everyone,
“…to take action now – make a plan with your community, your family, and for your pets. Plan how to stay safe and communicate during the disasters that can affect your community. We ask everyone to participate in America’s PrepareAthon! and the national day of action… which culminates National Preparedness Month on September 30.”
It is far too easy to allow such messages to turn into gentle background noise as the words become like the sound of gentle raindrops on the roof of our minds, slowly lulling us back to sleep. When this happens we slide unaware into the ditch of passively, ignoring such straight-forward warnings from the officials in our communities who desperately want each of us to take their advice seriously. Stated simply, government authorities realize that they are not capable of helping everyone during a disaster. Therefore the chosen method proposed is to request that every person be prepared to help themselves.
From my chair, that’s good advice.
Having recently witnessed the dramatic impact of the wildfires in Eastern Washington on the people who live and work there, I can personally attest to the reality of what occurs when sudden calamity shows up at one's doorstep with little or no warning.
Repeating the quote from King Solomon referenced last week, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Prudence and leadership are definitely close cousins. And the month of September is a great month to practice both.
Click below for helpful links to websites that provide practical advice regarding “Being Prepared.”