The Unseen Costs of Chaos: How WWE’s Pandemic Pivot Foreshadows a New Era of Contingency Planning
The entertainment industry, and professional wrestling in particular, thrives on meticulously crafted narratives. But what happens when the script is ripped up mid-performance? Shayna Baszler’s recent revelation about being told she would win the Money in the Bank briefcase in 2020, only to have the plans abruptly changed, offers a stark lesson: even in a world built on illusion, the real drama often lies in the unpredictable realities behind the scenes. This wasn’t just a wrestling storyline shift; it was a glimpse into a future where agility and transparent communication are paramount – not just for WWE, but for organizations across all sectors.
The Pandemic’s Impact: A Catalyst for Contingency Failures
Baszler’s story, shared on Insight With Chris Van Vliet (h/t WrestlingNews.co), highlights the chaos that ensued when COVID-19 forced WWE to pivot to a cinematic Money in the Bank match. Initially informed of her victory and subsequent feud with Becky Lynch, Baszler was left reeling when Asuka ultimately won. The lack of clear communication, compounded by the uncertainty of the pandemic, led to a crisis of confidence. “I was just beating myself up,” Baszler admitted, fearing she’d lost the company’s faith. This experience underscores a critical point: a well-defined contingency plan is useless without effective internal communication.
Beyond Wrestling: The Rise of ‘Black Swan’ Risk Management
WWE’s situation, while unique in its context, mirrors a growing trend across industries. Nassim Nicholas Taleb, in his book “The Black Swan,” popularized the concept of unpredictable, high-impact events. These “Black Swan” events – like the pandemic – expose vulnerabilities in even the most robust systems. Organizations are increasingly realizing that traditional risk management, focused on predictable threats, is insufficient. Instead, they need to embrace a more dynamic approach, prioritizing adaptability and resilience. A recent report by McKinsey & Company emphasizes the need for building resilience in the face of ongoing disruption, advocating for scenario planning and rapid response capabilities.
The Communication Breakdown: A Universal Pitfall
The core of Baszler’s frustration wasn’t the change in plans itself, but the way the change was handled. Being told one thing and then witnessing something entirely different, without explanation, created a toxic environment of self-doubt. This is a common failure point in crisis management. Internal communication often lags behind external adjustments, leaving employees feeling uninformed, undervalued, and anxious. Transparent, even if incomplete, communication is crucial for maintaining trust and fostering a collaborative response to unexpected events.
The Future of Contingency: From Static Plans to Dynamic Frameworks
The era of static, detailed contingency plans is waning. Instead, organizations are moving towards dynamic frameworks that prioritize adaptability and empower employees to make informed decisions in real-time. This requires:
- Scenario Planning: Regularly simulating potential disruptions and developing flexible response strategies.
- Decentralized Decision-Making: Empowering teams to react quickly to changing circumstances without requiring constant top-down approval.
- Transparent Communication Protocols: Establishing clear channels for disseminating information and addressing concerns.
- Psychological Safety: Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable raising concerns and challenging assumptions.
Baszler’s experience serves as a cautionary tale. The fallout from the Money in the Bank debacle wasn’t about a lost opportunity; it was about the damage inflicted by a lack of transparency and a failure to acknowledge the human impact of sudden change. As organizations navigate an increasingly volatile world, prioritizing these elements will be the difference between surviving disruption and thriving in the face of it. The wrestling world, often seen as pure entertainment, is offering a valuable lesson in the art of resilience.
What steps is your organization taking to build resilience and improve internal communication in the face of potential disruptions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
