KnowHR Blog - Latest Comments in Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

Re: Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

Frank Roche — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:08:10 -0000

Hi John, you're right, it is a corporate communications item as well. Ken represented Midwest Airlines very well...and it is a testament to his own reaction plus that of the company. I was impressed all around. I'm really hoping that someone at Midwest will get a chance to see this...as you say, with Web 2.0, it's likely to happen.

Re: Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

John Taylor — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:03:50 -0000

Thanks for a thoughtful post.

There's not only an HR angle here, there's also a corporate communications angle. Because Ken kept his cool, the reputation of Midwest Airlines was enhanced.

With the advent of Web 2.0., everyone has a microphone and a printing press -- that includes your employees and your customers. In many respects, Ken is just as much a spokesman for Midwest as is their media relations team.

Because of that, it's more important than ever for internal communications teams to partner with HR and media relations to ensure that all employees are well trained and understand their role as "spokespeople" for their employer.

Re: Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

Frank Roche — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:08:14 -0000

Ms. Information, that story gives me chills: 1) Because of the seriousness of the accident, and 2) Because Renee stepped in and made it right. It's amazing how some people behave under pressure...and I very much admire that. It's easy to freak, and it's another thing to step up and take charge. Thank goodness those people are around. Thank goodness for Renee.

Re: Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

MsInformation — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:43:12 -0000

Great post, Frank, and I'm happy to know that you're safe and that the lightning remained only a light show.

On the topic of grace under pressure...

Once upon a time I worked in a corporate office where there were executive women of the Joan-Collins-circa-Dynasty type. One day there was a horrible accident in the stock room [near my art department] and a worker nearly sheared off both arms. Renee, one of the topmost executives who never had a hair out of place, calmly stepped into action. She began some sort of triage on the victim while firmly and calmly telling people at the scene what to do. Everything proceeded in the most orderly fashion despite the fact that this could have devolved into an even more dire scenario. The guy lived and his arms were saved. And I have undying respect for the highly unlikely heroine, Renee.

Re: Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

Bill Strahan — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:21:50 -0000

love the post

Re: Staying Cool When Lightning Strikes

Ron Ulrici — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:26:44 -0000

Frank, you have hit on one of my favorite hobbies - stroking the folks out there who do a good job. Recently, I wrote a note on a napkin and gave it to a restaurant manager regarding our waitress for her superior customer service. This practice not only recognizes the person, it reinforces to the management that they are doing the right thing.

Companies need to include attitude, patience, and customer service as job requirements especially when dealing with the public. To many times, we hire people only for their technical skills.

Also - When you see a "Ken" out there in the world, you can bet the company has got a great training program with teeth in it.