I'm a novice but enthusiastic sailor.

So it caught my attention, in this current economic storm, that commentators are urging us to "clear the decks", "batten the hatches", and "reef the sails".

Seafarers have always employed those tactics to ride out deadly hurricanes, but what do they mean for those of us working in HR, OD, and training during today's crisis?

Clear The Decks

When the ship was rolling in heavy seas, the last thing the ancient mariner wanted was heavy objects sliding around the deck and breaking things. Sailors stowed away everything they didn't require immediately.

Equally, those of us who labor on land need to reduce the clutter and re-focus resources onto projects that will help us weather the storm, and when the skies clear up, move ahead quickly.

While many tools fit this criterion, the one I'm most familiar with is 360-degree feedback. Here's a test you can apply to 360 and your other projects.

In good weather, do they help the organization maintain its competitiveness?

In rough weather, do they offer a double benefit?

Do they help people ride out the storm, staying above water while your competitors struggle to stay afloat? And do they prepare your workers to seize the advantage once the storm has passed?

Batten The Hatches

During heavy weather, sailors used strips of wood called battens to secure the covers on hatches (openings), and keep the water out.

It's crucial that we keep our most precious cargo from getting swamped. People are easily discouraged in rough times.

We could lose some of our best workers to other opportunities. And the productivity of those who remain could shrink, as their enthusiasm dampens.

When people are worried, initiatives like 360 reassure them that they're still cared about, and their career paths remain important.

Reef Your Sails

You don't want to spend a ton of new money at a time like this.

During a blow, sailors reduce their sail area so the ship won't be overwhelmed by the wind.

You can reduce costs with the more economical methodologies such as 360-degree feedback, instead of risky high-priced initiatives.

I've also noticed that lots of organizations have asked us to manage their 360 projects recently, to avoid increasing and/or re-training their own staff.

So however you choose to handle the current crisis, I wish you good sailing.

As for me, I'm trusting the ancient mariners to guide us all to safety.