Corporate triage – Uncertainty is not created by Covid-19, but in how it is responded to
Companies that perform effective tactical and operational triage will be better placed during this
crisis and beyond.
From the dawn of humankind, mysterious diseases and illnesses have caused panic and havoc. Fear
was often translated and elaborated in many different ways, such as through religion, gods and
unjustified punishment.
Fortunately, the human race evolved through the centuries. Science, once treated with scepticism, is
now seen as a saviour through its objective, exploration, mapping and understanding of world
events, including diseases, and how to prevent and cure them.
“Because your question searches for deep meaning, I shall explain in simple words” ― Dante
Alighieri, Inferno
Currently, the entire world is shaken to its core with considerable impacts visible in the economy
and our lifestyles. In addition, there are the more important invisible marks such as fear, anxiety,
stress and uncertainty.
Uncertainty is not created by appearance of the Covid19 virus but in how it is responded
to. Uncertainty has been created from not knowing the full extent of the Covid19’s nature and what
type of damage it will cause.
The fear is widespread. Lifestyle changes caused by lockdowns and social distancing create fear, as
does the loss of jobs and financial security from the opportunity to earn money, pay mortgages, go
for holidays and even get your daily coffee. Then there is the ‘classic’ health fear of being infecting or
passing the virus on to a vulnerable person.
This pandemic will pass, humankind will continue. However, it is the responsibility of not just
governments but also corporations, to learn from this and respond to the crisis like emergency
doctors using a triage process. From a corporation’s perspective, this is not about healthcare but the
processes, methods and tools available to perform successful triage when a crisis happens. Having a
clear triage process instils increased willingness into employees and broader stakeholders to fight
the fear, uncertainty and anxiety.
So, what is the Art of Operational and Tactical Triage?
Without doubt all leaders are facing a crisis in regard to the impact of Covid-19.
Triage, in the context of the corporate environment, is responding to the situation in real-time. This
is managed through on-going monitoring and utilising information management (in house and external) by applying situational awareness, decisiveness and professional expertise in areas such as,
economics, risk management, PR, IT and finance.
The purpose of triage is to create a greater good for more people by sorting and evaluating which
aspects of the crisis to attend to and which ones to deprioritise. Proactive corporations utilise
effective internal and external tools and resources to evaluate each aspect of a crisis and recognises
the needs of their employees who are seeking security and certainty.
In moments like these, true leaders emerge and existing ones will excel in their positions by leading
by example.
Leaders will recognise the importance triage relating to:
1. Quick and decisive response by identifying most important areas to focus on, enabling
corporations and employees to continue their work processes
2. Identifying Priorities to develop the short-term solutions which will have the biggest impact
on corporations and employees. This step requires the team to be unified and use clear
thinking that is converted into key objectives for short term solutions
3. Internal communications in plain and simple language is key. Communications need to
extend to all employees, regardless of position and should seek opinions and ideas from all –
not just executive management.
4. External Communication sets leaders apart. In times of crisis they will step forward and raise
their public profile to calmly clarify what the situation is, what goals are to be reached, both
from a business continuity and the impact on employees’ perspectives to reduce stress and
anxiety. This is the point where you win “hearts and minds”.
5. A Triage ‘War Room’ will provide the ability for continuous adaptations and refinements of
situational awareness. It enables fast implementations of the risk management framework
and responses to media requests and social media activity etc.
The above five elements depend on balancing the ratio of manpower, logistical and technical
resources with the time and date of execution, intelligence analysis of the situation.
To find out more about how Operational and Tactical Triage can manage the uncertainty of a crisis
including the current Covid-19 period contact corporate human and business intelligence expert,
Mario Bekes.
Mario Bekes (Managing Director, Insight Intelligence Group) is an intelligence and investigative professional, with a wide range of experience spanning military and civil intelligence in Europe and Australia.
A natural leader, public speaker, published book author, relationship-builder and facilitator with
experience in investigative techniques, interrogation methods and corporate human and competitive
business intelligence, Mario is driven by providing results.
Over the past 30 years Mario has conducted numerous types of investigations within government
sectors including defence and foreign affairs departments, as well as the corporate world. Mario has applied his knowledge, expertise, academic research and training in investigative intelligence and investigative interviewing techniques across Australia and internationally.
ABOUT INSIGHT INTELLIGENCE GROUP
Insight Intelligence Group is a privately-owned Australian company founded in 2003. We
provide both corporate and private investigative, surveillance and intelligence solutions.
Insight Intelligence Group has the scale to cover investigation and intelligence needs
nationally and operates like a boutique firm focusing on providing the highest standard of
tailored and personalised services to our clients.
All our staff are qualified, highly trained and experienced in investigative, surveillance and
intelligence solutions. Our experience and the manner in which we engage with our clients
enables us to effectively deliver on your needs.
www.insightintelligence.com.au
This post was written by Mario Bekes