Stormy Encounters

Q: With another hurricane season approaching, is there anything I need to do on the human side of my business to be prepared?

Cheryl Lynn Dratler of Fort Myers-based Resource Innovations responds:

While there is often time to communicate with employees and coordinate various security and recovery activities before a hurricane, during a warning is not the time to get started. Business survivors point out two key components to survival: Having a plan and preparing for communication-when communication may be at its worst.

Having a strategy to fit your business is important from a human-resource perspective and from the standpoint of security, operations and recovery. Many health-care facilities have extensive plans identifying key personnel and their roles in caring for, evacuating or treating patients. Businesses that operate 24/7 may have special considerations for personnel needs. So it is important to consider these questions: Who will be expected to come in or stay in during the storm period? Do they know it now? Have pay arrangements been made for employees who might work unusual hours due to a hurricane?

A preparedness plan for your facility and operations should clearly identify who initiates action and what will be expected of each employee. Data-based businesses have plans to secure data, but employees must implement these and comfort customers about the security of data. Operations relying heavily on equipment may have needs for shutdown or for recovery outside normal employee expectations. Will employees know what to say to customers, and who is at liberty to say it? Does each employee know what to do at various stages of a storm event?

Then there is the "people" side of your people. Schools often close well in advance of a hurricane, and employees with children will request time to care for children at home, perhaps before a business decision is made to stop operations. What about home damage or homelessness and contacting employees to assess their welfare and needs? If major damage occurs to communication, roads, bridges and buildings, how will employees and company representatives connect? Will the company provide any assistance to help employees return to work? Do you have a policy to determine who will be provided leave and at what point they will be allowed to take that leave? How will leave be counted?

Here are other points to consider:

. Having a plan is only a start.

. Once you have a plan, distribute and discuss it with employees.

. Debrief and evaluate the drill for improvements to the plan. Your employees' understanding of the plan will only be a guide when the going gets rough-but it will be the best guide you have.

Dratler, executive vice president of Resource Innovations, specializes in management training, employee development and outplacement. She may be reached at 936-3903 or by e-mail at CLDratler@resourceinnovations.com.

Q. I've been doing a good job, but am uncomfortable asking for a raise. What should I do?

Jan Kantor, a business consultant and executive coach in Naples, answers:

You've worked really hard the past six months. You have taken on increased responsibility and have come up smelling like a rose. It's time for a raise and you want one! The boss has told you what a great job you have been doing, but your hints about a raise have gone unnoticed. Now what?

Don't just sit back waiting for your boss to make the first move. If you do, you may have to wait forever. You need to take charge of getting that raise. You need to learn why, when and what-and how to ask for that raise.

. WHY? If you have improved upon your knowledge, worked hard to benefit your company and proven you are a valuable employee, you have good reason to ask for a raise. Your track record is what makes your request for a raise appropriate.

. WHEN? Your timing is crucial. Try to check out your bosses' moods. If they are having a bad day or you know they are in the middle of problems, they won't be receptive. If your company is facing financial problems, it is not a good time to ask. If recently you have made a few errors and the boss brought them to your attention, wait a little longer.

. WHAT? First you need to decide on exactly what you want. You need to be realistic in deciding what your skills are worth. Don't undervalue yourself or your abilities. On the other hand, don't go around the bend on an over-inflated ego. Try to find out what are comparable salaries for your job. Then decide how much you want. You should always ask for more and then negotiate.

. HOW? Once you have decided what it is you want, strategize. Get your list ready for the meeting. Plan what you will say and how you will present your case. Highlight yourself, listing all your accomplishments. Have answers ready for any questions your boss may have.

Keep a professional attitude and be willing to negotiate. Remain positive throughout the meeting. If the boss brings up something negative, listen attentively and don't become upset.

Learn more at Kantor's Web site at www.jankantor.com or e-mail him at kantor716@comcast.net.