Hurricane Oil
In business, crisis management is practically unavoidable. Mistakes will be made. Accidents will happen. Products will be flawed. Acts of God will continue.
Since you can’t avoid crises, you’d better prepare for their inevitable eventuality, and: act promptly, intelligently, decisively, strategically, politically, sensitively, honestly, and with a genuine effort to resolve the issue and prevent further harm and recurrence.
BACKGROUND
As a reminder, some major crises include: Johnson & Johnson (Tylenol); Proctor & Gamble (Tampon/ toxic shock); Union Carbide (Toxic Chemicals); Three Mile Island (Nuclear); Hurricane Katrina; Exxon (Valdez/ Oil Spill); the 2008 Financial Meltdown (as well as many prior Market crashes), and most recently, the BP (Oil Spill).
THE BP CRISIS
This is being written on around day 45 of the Gulf (of Mexico) Oil Spill Crisis. BP (British Petroleum) is under siege with public relations, environmental, and financial problems, as a consequence of a disastrous, deadly, contaminating, incident of unprecedented proportion. This infamous event began in late April, 2010 when an explosion destroyed the surface drilling platform, (with 11 platform worker fatalities), and shut-off devices failed to turn off the gusher of oil spewing from a severed pipe at the bottom of the sea, one mile deep.
Various strategies were tried to stem the daily multi-thousand barrel flow of pollution from the wrecked installation. Robots were placed to handle repairs at the high pressures, great depth, and poor visibility, on the seabed. The U.S. Government mobilized it’s resources (Coast Guard, FEMA, various federal agencies, National Guard, etc,), but were largely ineffective and responsiveness appeared to be “too little; too late.” BP tried multiple approaches to capping the well and stopping the oil flow. Approaches termed: “Top Kill,”:riser package cap,” “replacing a ‘blowout’ preventer,” and a longer term “relief well” is in progress (“BP Begins…New Strategy…”Bloomberg.com, May 30, 2010). So far, nothing has worked, and perhaps irreversible damage is being done to precious wetlands, beaches, and habitats for marine life, birds, animals, and birds. What a mess!
THE MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
“Crisis Management” is a leadership specialty, and reputations and fortunes of individuals, governments, and private companies can be severely, perhaps irreparably, damaged if the event, public perception, and restorative actions are mishandled. The classic strategies for these types of events were largely ignored, or conspicuously fumbled. The President of BP looked bad, as did the President of the United States. Ineptness appeared to rule the day and the government, along with one of the largest energy corporations in the world, were unable to control, or resolve the event.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Although there is not consensus about how a crisis should be handled, there are a number of common themes. The basics are:
–CRISIS PREVENTION
The most important activity which can be taken, is to take action(s) to prevent a crisis from occurring in the first place!
–CRISIS PLANNING
Should a crisis occur, despite all your good preventative efforts, have plans in place to deal with likely, unlikely, and forecastable occurences. Appropriate planning, prior to the inevitable disaster, will help focus efforts, limit delays, and mitigate the damage. It provides a level of reassurance for all stakeholders.
–CRISIS INTERVENTION
Initiate timely, forceful, and focused actions to limit the scope and duration of the crisis.
–CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Management consists of planning, organizing, leading and controlling. In a crisis, the leadership must be clear, respected, visible, and trustworthy. Coordination and resource management are essential; project management skills are required.
–CRISIS COMMUNICATION
Honesty, transparency, and frequency are important. Deception, minimization, hiding, or avoidance are deadly. Trust will be lost when lies or misrepresentation are discovered. The press needs access, and will become hostile if spokespersons are not forthright.
–CRISIS ETHICS and CRISIS HUMANITY
The crisis needs to be handled in an ethical fashion. It is essential that morality supersede financial considerations.
The emotions, health, feelings; personal and financial impact on individuals are paramount considerations. Leaders need to sincerely demonstrate their compassion, sensitivity, and empathy for those adversely impacted. The human side of crisis will undoubtedly require immediate, continuing, and genuine support.
BACK TO OUR EXAMPLE…
The BP incident appears to have been mishandled on so many levels that it will surely be a case study on how crises should NOT be managed. BP has suffered billions in stock losses, and probable financial liabilities. The damage to business and government reputations and trust is yet to be determined, although it is appears major destruction has been done in this arena, as well as to the environment and economy.
With the high stakes implicit in major crises, managers would be smart to consider the aforementioned points; update, review, and revise their Crisis Management Policies and Plans, and be prepared. You don’t want to be in the news for your mismanagement in a crisis.
Ben A. Carlsen, Ed.D, MBA, is an experienced leader and educator with over 30 years experience in management, consulting, and teaching. Dr. Carlsen is a management consultant, and business writer in the Miami, Florida area.
Carlsen was Chairman of the Los Angeles County Productivity Managers Network, Chair of the Marketing Managers Association, and President of the Association for Systems Management (So. California Chapter). For more info visit: http://www.drben.info
Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill Like A Hurricane
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“HEADLINE ARTIST” BILL GURIAN HURRICANE HUGO OIL PAINTING NY DAILY NEWS $2,500.00 |
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candlewick 3400/26 HURRICANE OIL LAMP–IMPERIAL GLASS $900.00 |
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ANTIQUE CRYSTAL HURRICANE OIL LAMP CANDLESTICK PRISMS ETCHED FLORAL LIGHT PAIR $850.00 |
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Antique Victorian Oil Lamp Electric Painted Glass Globes Hurricane Lamp Signed $825.00 |
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Antique Rayo Oil Lamp Light 1895 Glass Melon Shade Hand Paintd Flower Hurricane $385.00 |
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Oil Hurricane Gone with the Wind Table Lamp $399.00 |
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Hexoptic Amber Colored Glass Hurricane Oil Lamps $300.00 |
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Depression (Lincon Drape) Glass Oil Lamp Hurricane Lamp, Emerald Green $299.00 |
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2 LARGE MID CENTURY VINTAGE GWTW HANDPAINTED GLASS HURRICANE OIL LAMPS MODERN $295.00 |
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1800′s Vintage Antique Victorian Oil Hurricane Kerosene Hanging Library Lamp NR $250.00 |
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Antique Mantle Lamp Co Aladdin Model 7, 9 Oil Kerosene Lamp w/Shade, Hurricane $250.00 |
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Antique B&H Bradley Hubbard Oil Lamp w/Hand Painted Shade, Hurricane, 1800s $200.00 |
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VINTAGE TALL PAINTED FLOWER OIL HURRICANE LAMP LIGHT $189.99 |
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Yosemite Home Decor Hurricane-RB 28-Inch Ceiling Fan with Light Kit, Oil Rubbed $202.86 |
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Vintage Hurricane Shade Desk Oil Lamp Style Electric $135.00 |
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Tuscan Accent Hurricane Lamp Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish $191.40 |
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Vintage Retro Oil Kerosene Hurricane Heavy Floor Lamp With Globe Shade & Chimney $149.99 |
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ANTIQUE RAYO KEROSENE OIL HURRICANE LAMP MILK GLASS SHADE NICKEL WORKS ORIGINAL $145.00 |
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Electric Hurricane Oil Lamp Green Base Big Pink Flowers Glass Chimney Milk Shade $159.99 |
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INCREDIBLE CRYSTAL HURRICANE LAMP GLOBE MASSIVE OIL LAMP SHADE PINEAPPLE PATTERN $150.00 |
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ANTIQUE BLOWN BUBBLE GLASS HURRICANE STORM TORNADO LIGHTHOUSE OIL LAMP LANTERN $119.00 |
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OLD HANDY HURRICANE ACORN OIL LAMP MINIATURE MANTLE EARLY AMERICAN COUNTRY MOD $140.00 |
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ANTIQUE BRADLEY HUBBARD B & H HURRICANE OIL KEROSENE NICKEL ELECTRIC LIGHT LAMP $139.99 |
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ANTIQUE 1800′s OLD RAYO HURRICANE OIL KEROSENE NICKEL PLATED ORNATE LIGHT LAMP $129.99 |
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FINE ART ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING MODERN Wind Expressionist Marine Hurricane $119.99 |
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RARE1930s BLACK BANDED STRIPED HURRICANE GLASS OIL LAMP CHIMNEY P&A EAGLE BURNER $122.50 |
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GORGEOUS Hurricane OIL LAMP~Floral Porcelain Base~Decorative Glass Globe/Chimney $99.00 |
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POLARIS 1996 1997 Hurricane 700 SL700 SLTH Oil Pump $99.99 |
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L E Smith Glass Daisy and Button Blue 12 in. Hurricane Oil Lamp $99.95 |
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Winslow Homer Hurricane Bahamas Oil Painting repro $75.00 |
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(12) Metal Hurricane Lanterns ~ Nautical Maritime Oil Lamps ~ Assorted $89.99 |
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Hurricane, Bahamas Winslow Homer Repro oil painting $70.00 |
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OIL COOLER & HOSES honda CBR-600 CBR600 HURRICANE 1990 $89.00 |
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Gone Wind Hurricane Rose painted glass oil lamp shade globe 9 3/4 fitter GWTW $99.99 |
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VINTAGE ANTIQUE OLD CONVERTED HURRICANE OIL KEROSENE NICKEL ELECTRIC LIGHT LAMP $99.99 |
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ANTIQUE OLD CONVERTED HURRICANE OIL KEROSENE NICKEL PLATED ELECTRIC LIGHT LAMP $99.99 |
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SHIRLEY PEWTER Rare Large Oil Hurricane Lamps With Glass Covers Very Nice $79.99 |
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Vintage Brass Lamp / GWTW – Banquet – Hurricane / Kerosene / Oil $95.00 |
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Vintage Gone With The Wind Style Hurricane Globe Lamp Oil Milk Glass $95.00 |
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Mesheryakov ORIGINAL ART OIL PAINTING SEASCAPE Expressionism STORM Hurricane Sea $89.99 |
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Set/4 Cattail Glass & Iron Oil Lamp Tiki Torches Hurricanes Garden Stakes $88.20 |
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Vintage Blue Frosted Milk Glass Hurricane Electrified Oil Lamp Working! $74.95 |
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Oil /Hurricane Lamp , Vintage , Used , 18″ Tall , Clear Glass , Large $69.99 |
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Oil /Hurricane Lamp , Vintage , Used , 18″ Tall , Clear Glass , Large $69.99 |
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ANTIQUE THICK GLASS HURRICANE KEROSENE OIL LAMP WITH CHIMNEY $49.99 |
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B&H Vintage Antique Victorian Oil Hurricane Parlor for Library hanging Lamp $65.00 |
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Complete Oil Lamp with Chisel Punched Tin Design Electrified Hurricane Light NEW $78.59 |
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1996-1997 Polaris Jetski Oil Tank W Sensor Hurricane 700 $65.00 |
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Hurricane Oil Lamp Base Ruby Flash Scroll P&A Dorsett $49.99 |
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ANTIQUE 1939 FANCY ROLLED GLASS HURRICANE OIL TABLE LAMP LANTERN LIGHT VERY OLD $75.00 |
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ANTIQUE 1912 FANCY BUBBLED GLASS HURRICANE OIL TABLE LAMP LANTERN LIGHT VERY OLD $75.00 |
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ANTIQUE 1905 FANCY SQUARED GLASS HURRICANE OIL TABLE LAMP LANTERN LIGHT VERY OLD $75.00 |
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Vintage Brass Eagle Electric Hurricane Oil Table Lamp $74.99 |
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Vintage Perko Brass Ships Gimbal Boat Sailboat Glass Hurricane Chimney Oil Lamp $74.99 |
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VINTAGE LAMPLIGHT FARMS GLASS 2 TIER/COMPARTMENT OIL HURRICANE LAMP COMPLETE $45.00 |
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VINTAGE GREEN BLUE HOBNAIL GLASS ELECTRIC HURRICANE LAMP 16.5″ OIL LAMP STYLE $59.99 |
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Complete Oil Lamp with Chisel Punched Tin Design Electrified Hurricane Light NEW $71.14 |
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1987 cbr 1000 F hurricane oil cooler w line cbr1000 87 $69.99 |
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Polaris Jetski Oil Tank Hurricane 2511264 5432186 $69.99 |
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Royce Lighting Stalton One-Light Hurricane Globe Wall Bracket Oil Rubbed Bronze $67.99 |
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Wine Bottle Candle and Glass Chimney $10.99 Use this glass chimney and included ceramic candle / wick combination to turn a Wine or Champagne bottle into an attractive and mood-setting candle. Designed to be used with our Liquid Candle Lamp Oil. The glass chimney fits on the top of the bottle and helps prevent the candle from smoking or being blown out by wind gusts. Simply fill the bottle with enough Lamp Oil to submerge the wick, insert t… |
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LAMPLIGHT FARMS 6045 ULTRA-PURE LAMP OIL 32OZ-CLEAR $7.99 Ultra-Pure Candle and Lamp Liquid is absolutely the finest liquid wax available anywhere at any price, produced only by Lamplight. This liquid may be used as a fuel for liquid candles and liquid lamps…. |
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Lamplight 60009 Clear Ultra-pure Lamp Oil, 32-Ounce $5.34 Totally superior to any general purpose lamp oil. Created from 100% pure liquid paraffins, Ultra Pure is absolutely the finest lamp fuel available. Like all our fine lamp oil, it’s conveniently packaged in our patented, easy pour, nonspill bottles…. |
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V&O 210-76000 Centennial Brass Trim Oil Lantern, Black $9.04 #76 LANTERN – 10 inches tall, fuel capacity 8 oz. The signal duration is 15 hours, with a candlepower of 7 C.P. The finish is baked enamel, with brass plated trim. Recommended fuel: Lamp oil, liquid paraffin. Uses 3/8 ft.or 1/2 ft. wick… |
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Oil, Sweat, and Rigs: Salvaging the Rig & Hurricane-Proof Anchors Salvaging the Rig: Thanks to hurricanes, Rowan Industries saw five of its rigs sink in 2005. Now, the engineering giant is racing to raise its lost gear from the sea floor. Hurricane-Proof Anchors: Tethered to the sea floor by heavy anchors, many oil platforms had their lines snapped when Katrina and Rita tore through. But with ATP Oil & Gas ready to install a revolutionary kind of anchor system, … |
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Hurricane Katrina Five Years Later $14.97 Available for sale is a DVD filled with pictures and rare video footage showing the destruction witnessed by the Mississippi gulf coast and the greater New Orleans area.You won’t believe the horror that awaits you.An impressive soundtrack accompanies this striking presentation.Produced in time,to observe the fifth anniversary of Hurricane katrina,witness the horror thousands of victims suffered t… |
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Austrian Windproof Lighter $11.89 Imco Super lighter comes without original packaging. Shipment does not include any manuals or instructions on how to use the lighter…. |