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War-Proof Your Business Through Leadership Development.
Area businesses have been put on alert!

The powder keg of the Middle East could explode at any moment. North Korea has opened the seals of nuclear threats. And no one knows where the next battlefield lies in our war against terror. 

What do these events have to do with business? 

As the Armed Forces head overseas, military reservists are holding tight for possible orders to supplement active duty military personnel. And as in the Gulf War, entire reserve units may be mobilized to the battlefield.

Should there be a significant mobilization of reservists, businesses will be directly affected. Sacrifices will need to be made. Even if a war against Iraq ends quickly, there exists a high probability that the armed forces will occupy the country until a new government is installed. 

Leadership in the workplace has become more crucial than ever. And the need for it will continue to grow. 

As we face the unpleasant realities of war or attacks on our country, we must accept that they are in fact realities. We have an obligation to prepare for the possible. To simply hope for the best in this strange new world may only invite disaster. 

Homeland security is a battle that each of us must fight. As businesspersons, our responsibility is to defend the economy of which each business is a vital part. Our first line of defense is leadership. 

To prevent the enemy from weakening our economy, we must put effort into strengthening our companies. The first step is to "war-proof" our businesses by preparing for possible sacrifices of personnel. War-proofing our companies will allow us to send our citizen-soldiers off to service without sacrificing our production and bottom line. 

Two possible scenarios we must prepare for are:

• Leaders themselves may be called to duty
• Key employees could be called to duty

Companies first need to take inventory of which employees are reservists. Bear in mind, that there also exists Individual Ready Reserves (IRR). These people have recently completed military duty, but are still eligible to be called up should active reserve units be stretched. This is a very possible circumstance if the country is engaged in military action in several areas around the globe.

Second, companies must have a temporary succession plan in place. Who will fill the leader's shoes if he or she is called to serve? Can that transition be made as quickly as the government gives orders? Keep in mind that the military does not pride itself with advance notice. Nor do circumstances beyond our control such as acts of war committed against the United States. 

Third, if a non-leader is called up, can he or she be quickly replaced? Can this transition be made without friction? 

Aside from replacing employees who have gone to war, the psychological aspect must be given attention. Knowing a coworker has left to fight a war can have psychological challenges for employees, particularly if the media begins to report unfavorable news. Companies must be prepared to deal with this aspect while keeping the business running without interruption. This can only be achieved through effective leaders. 

Though it cannot be accounted for on the balance sheet, Leadership has become the most valuable asset a company can claim. Investing in leadership training is crucial both during war and peace. During uncertain times like those we face we cannot afford to be supported by unprepared leaders. Invest in the strength of your leaders and your company will stand as sturdy as rock against the sea during the most turbulent of storms. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Officers of Academy Leadership are available for interview to provide tips on war-proofing businesses and other related topics. 
Contact: Ken Kilpatrick - 215-884-6499