Early in December 2020 the business and entrepreneurial optimists were focusing on the benefits and freedom that came with lock down level one. On the flipside the realists in the business domain were keeping a close eye on the statistics and developments, anticipating that we have to get ready for the second wave. Irrespective, if you are an optimist or realist, the second wave of the pandemic has arrived.

At this stage executives, management, business leaders and operational staff are all asking the same question: Will we survive the second wave?

Unfortunately there is no magic formula, to tell if your business will survive.

The best way to plan, prepare and respond to the second wave is to use your current business continuity management program and include the lessons learnt from the first wave.

The following five questions directed at achieving business resilience may be used to guide your preparation and response to the second wave.

1. How effective was communication to staff, customers and key stakeholders?
2. How well did third parties and suppliers perform and support your operations?
3. What was the impact on staff, in terms of performance and morale?
4. How efficient and effective did the technology platforms and environment support remote working?
5. Did you manage to continuity with your value creating activities/ business priorities?

Be realistic and consider your answers to the guiding questions when responding to the second wave and reflect on the words of Benjamin Franklin –

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”