Crisis Planning: Communication Perspective
160 likes | 267 Vues
Learn why "when, not if" disaster planning is crucial, with insights on crisis communication objectives, preparation steps, and response strategies. Discover how to handle various crises effectively.
Crisis Planning: Communication Perspective
E N D
Presentation Transcript
June 22, 2007 When, not if: disaster planning from a communications perspective
“When, not if” “Calamity is the perfect glass wherein we truly see and know ourselves.”-- Sir William D'Avenant
“When, not if” • A crisis: • Interferes with normal operations • Has potential for rapid escalation • Crises can create: • Intense scrutiny from media, customers • Implications for company reputation, relationships and liabilities • Opportunities to “do the right thing” and make gains among key stakeholders • Challenges/opportunities
It comes in all shapes and sizes • Man-made disasters, e.g. Oklahoma bombing, 9/11 • Natural disasters, e.g., hurricanes, (Katrina), floods, (Houston), tornados (Arkansas), earthquakes (California), wildfires (CA again) • Medical disasters e.g., bird flu
What are we trying to accomplish? • Crisis communications objectives: • Demonstrate leadership • Show compassion • Be transparent • Do no harm
Preparing • Develop an operational crisis plan • Create a communications structure • Assemble a top-level crisis communications team • “Plan your work, then work your plan,” (but always be flexible)
Before, during and after the plan • Build your well of good will • Forge strong relationships with key influencers • Know who will speak • Practice with “minor” issues • Have technology tools ready
When it happens • Get your bearings • Know you won’t know • Mobilize the team • Open lines of communication • Consider the narrative • Speed is everything
Remember your own • Employees and their families • Civic leaders • Union representatives • Influencers • Even your own opponents
Assess the situation • Establish the facts: • Amount and type of damage • Geographic impact • Number of customers affected • Anticipated duration • Evaluate: • Monitor evolving conditions • Continuously evaluate response activities
Assess response options • Evaluate external communications needs • Designate company spokesperson • Proactive v. reactive media response • Collateral media materials • Web content, if needed • Staffing and logistics • Media activity • Constant analysis
Consider the media’s agenda • Reporters are looking for conflict, drama • Anticipate questions in advance • Be truthful, sincere, accurate, in control
A leader’s role • The strength of being there • Relying on the bench • Rally out of the bunker
Crisis plans are never shelved • Conduct periodic scenario testing • Update the plan quarterly to keep current • Rehearse your plan, given a specific set of facts
“When, not if” “There cannot be any more crises this week. My schedule is already full. ”-- Henry Kissinger