While crises can’t be predicted, planning and preparation can make the difference between coming out on top or going under.
A company’s reputation is king, especially in the government market, where buying decisions hinge on past performance and trust. However, scrutiny reaches an extreme level when a crisis strikes, thrusting companies into the court of public opinion.
Cancelled contracts, disgruntled employees, backdated options, security breaches, C-level employees facing lawsuits, classified information leaks, natural disasters, employee deaths — all companies can any one of these crises at any given time. Are you prepared?
A crisis can be as simple as a lost laptop or disc (as various government departments have discovered recently, none more painfully that HM Revenue).
The only certainty a company faces when dealing with a crisis is that it will occur when least expected – and being caught off guard can be make or break time.
Control the chaos
The public, including media and key stakeholders, demands an immediate response during a crisis. The expectation of instant action requires reactive decision-making. But there are many proactive tactics that companies can employ before a crisis erupts.
By planning in advance and undertaking media training - companies can develop an effective, comprehensive crisis management plan that enables an immediate, transparent exchange of information with the media and public in the event of a crisis. Developing proactive response strategies and key messages can mean the difference between successfully riding the wave over a crisis, simply surviving it or sinking.
A comprehensive crisis management training session will take into account all possible situations, all potential publicity and all influencing factors in a stimulating, realistic and stimulating environment.
Top tips:
• Designate a crisis management team. Successful crisis management begins with an executive team that understands the need for preparation, planning, transparency, information sharing and accountability – and importantly a team that understants the media.
• Companies should designate several spokespeople who are media trained to serve as the public face of the company throughout a crisis. A single spokesperson is not sufficient – should they leave the company or simply have a day off during a crisis you’re leaving the company vulnerable.
• Prepare for potential crisis scenarios. While it is impossible to see the future, it is possible to predict potential crises that a company might face based on past incidents, competitors’ experiences and the regulatory climate of the industry. This is exactly what Media Mentor does with organisations, big and small, across the globe. Identify vulnerabilities, relate them to scenarios and practice them during a media training day. Practice makes perfect after all.
• Develop your key messages. Media Mentor involve all participants in working out for themselves the strong statements that should be used when highlighting your stance during presentations and press interviews. We show participants how to identify interesting key messages, relate them to the crisis and stick to them under pressure.
When a company’s reputation and valuation is on the line, everything is at stake. Taking strategic action to prepare means you’ll be ready to weather the storm. – Washington Technology.
Posted in Latest Media Training News | 1 Comment »
April 17th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Here are some more tips. http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneursmanagement/2008/04/15/crisis-public-relations-ent-manage-cx_mf_0415crisis_slide.html