Beat the “Summer Doldrums”: Operational Resilience for the Hottest Month

By the end of July, many businesses feel the “Summer Doldrums”—a period where things slow down, teams are on vacation, and the frenetic energy of early summer begins to fade. As a leader, you can look at this as lost time, or you can use it as a strategic window for Operational Resilience.

The Mid-Year Insurance Review

If you haven’t reviewed your business policies since January, now is the time.

• Update Your Values: Has your inventory grown? Have you added new, expensive hardware? Make sure your “Business Personal Property” limits reflect your actual, current assets.
• Audit Your Vendors: Are the companies you rely on—your IT firm, your payroll provider, your delivery partners—still carrying the proper certificates of insurance (COI)? Now is the perfect time to request updated documents.

Strengthening the “Continuity” Plan

When things are quiet, it’s easier to test your Business Continuity Plan (BCP). Do you know exactly what your team would do if the server goes down, the office loses power, or a major system is hacked? A BCP isn’t just a document for the “file cabinet”—it’s a living guide. Use this lull to ensure everyone on your team knows exactly what their role is in an emergency. Being prepared isn’t just about avoiding a claim; it’s about knowing your business can weather any storm.