Airlines and Small Businesses Riding a Volcanic Tiger!

The eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano in Iceland, has grounded thousands of flights and caused economic distress for the entire airline industry. With some airlines reporting losses as much as $200 million a day, this adversity airlines are facing is expected to be worse than that caused by the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Additionally, many small businesses are taking financial hits as a result. Flower shops aren't getting their imported flowers in time or are paying premiums to get them from other vendors. Limo services that prosper on trips to and from the airport are losing over $1000 a day.

These businesses are riding a tiger of their own and some don't even know it yet! Unexpected tragedies like these are what leaders like Ed Cohen and Priscilla Nelson mean to prepare you for in their book, Riding the Tiger: Leading through Learning in Turbulent Times. The role learning will have in helping to get through this turbulent time cannot be underestimated. Tragic circumstances don't owe anyone a warning. If you are currently riding this tiger, or if you aren't but now realize the value of being prepared to work through unexpected catastrophes, Riding the Tiger can help immensely.

For more information on facing troubling times, consider attending the session Riding the Tiger: Leading Through Learning in Turbulent Times at the ASTD 2010 International Conference and Exposition.