When fire swept through Santa Rosa, Calif., last month, destroying 4,658 homes, 94 commercial buildings, and displacing tens of thousands of people, Keysight Technologies was in the direct path of the disaster. Most people might think of Sonoma County for its wine, but Keysight is the largest employer in Sonoma County and has had a strong presence in the area since 1972.
What Happened When the California Wildfires Engulfed Our Headquarters
Sonoma County’s largest employer faced three crises at once.
November 29, 2017
Summary.
Managing through a crisis is often more complex than meets the eye. In this piece, the authors — senior leaders from Keysight Technologies, whose headquarters where demolished when a wildfire swept through Santa Rosa last month — discuss the three-pronged approach they took to supporting employees, reassuring customers, and staying on top of competitors in the wake of the disaster. Ultimately, they found that a balanced approach of combining offensive and defensive action was critical in enabling them to restart key operations as quickly as possible while setting the groundwork for a long-term recovery plan.
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New!
HBR Learning
Crisis Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Crisis Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to manage uncertainty, dispel rumors, and help your team recover.