Unfortunately, I am sure that many of you can relate to this experience. It highlights the universal truth that anything that can bring great pleasure can also create great pain!

We took possession of our brand new medical practice just before Xmas. It was a project that commenced 5 years ago starting with a two year period obtaining a planning permit, followed by an 18 month construction. I was overseas when we moved across from about 150 metres away. My team did a great job and it was a seamless transition of desks and computers. The I.T systems worked perfectly from the beginning and the phones transitioned well also. Surely it was too good to be true!

Alas, 2 weeks ago when I was still away, we noticed the first signs of a waterleak into one of the offices! Waterleaks and construction can be easy to fix or they can be a total nightmare. I was staggered how no-one from the construction team came forth to take ownership of the situation. Even after 2 weeks the builder had not come to inspect the premises. We are still trying to fix the problem, but it brings me to the point of communication in a crisis.

The natural reaction in a crisis is to run and hide or try and turn it into someone else’s problem. It’s a childish approach. A strong person gets more involved, takes ownership of the problem, calls in a second opinion if in doubt, and makes the client know that absolutely everything is being done to fix the problem. It’s obviously something that isn’t taught in the construction industry! Every crisis provides us with an opportunity. For me, it’s the opportunity to remain calm in a crisis; manage the situation at hand; and also to engage in conflict where its conducive to rectifying the problem.

I hope that I can report back with some good news over the next week or so!

Hope all’s well in your world!

In Health and Wellness