Management Tip of the Day: 3 Ways to Handle Disruptions

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile Due to the U.S. Independence Day holiday, there will be no Management Tip of the Day next Monday. JULY 2, 2010 3 Ways to Handle Disruptions In today's world of financial crises, currency fluctuations, and terrorist threats, coping with the unexpected isn't just a good leadership skill, it's critical. Here are three ways you can improve your response to, and minimize the impact of, inevitable disruptions: Have a back-up plan. You may not always be able to rehearse Plan B, but you should have alternative approaches that can help get you out of a bind. In the absence of actual plans, mental flexibility can help you respond more quickly. Speed up communication. Information needs to move through your company quickly and efficiently. Find ways you can collect and disseminate data in short cycles. Instill values. Values help people know the right thing to do without being told or waiting for permission. They also bind a company together when surprises happen and therefore can help companies recover more quickly. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Surprise! Four Strategies for Coping with Disruptions" by Rosabeth Moss Kanter. Read the full blog post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Christensen on Disruptive Change HBR Article Collection — Save 30% This collection of articles by Clayton M. Christensen, architect of and the world's foremost authority on disruptive innovation, relies on compelling real-world examples to demystify the innovation process and the thorny decisions that so often weigh it down. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 2 Tips for Managing a Multigenerational Team 3 Tips for Acing an Interview How to Craft a Persuasive Presentation 3 Tips for Writing Reader-Friendly Memos 3 Things to Know About New Ventures 3 Tips for Getting Out of Your Boss' Shadow Don't Let Your Strategy Distract You How to Decipher (and Achieve) Success at Your Company 3 Ways to Start Your Overseas Job Transition 3 Ways to Motivate Your Board of Directors BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)