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Business Brief: Expect the Unexpected

Stan Craig
Oct 2, 2013
photo of a man about to step on a banana peel

photo of a man about to step on a banana peelAfter US Airways Flight 1549 had to land in the Hudson River, Captain Sullenberger said while it was unexpected, he was not unprepared. How do you prepare for the unexpected?

Value Experience. Collective wisdom learned ought to be shared. Rather than forgetting past mistakes, review and discuss past solutions and new ways to confront problems.

Rethink Training. Training is not just a special class or seminar. It takes place every day in how we view and carry out our tasks and responsibilities.

Educate Everyone. What if Captain Sullenberger's age, background, or education had disqualified him from training, or what if someone had decided it was unnecessary at his level of experience?

Make regular deposits. Help everyone do the best in whatever job he or she is doing every day.

Unexpected events do not always occur when leaders are around to make decisions. Training helps everyone prepare so that when a crisis comes, a safe landing can be made.

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