La capsula Informativa: Is Your Organization Ready for A Crisis?

When you consider the speed at which information travels these days, operating a business without having a well-thought-out crisis communications plan is a lot like operating a factory that manufactures matches without having a fire evacuation plan. It only takes one tiny mistake and the whole place can go up in flames.  

Crises can arise with little to no warning, potentially derailing even the most robust organizations. Whether it’s a data breach, a product recall or a public relations blunder, having a well-defined crisis communications plan is not just beneficial—it’s essential.  

I’ve had multiple clients shake their heads the moment I’ve used the word crisis, saying, “Calling this a crisis seems a little dramatic…I don’t think we’re there yet.” But here’s the thing—the crisis is the cause, not the effect. The crisis is ignited by the lighting of the match. What happens next is the repercussions from the crisis.  

Let’s take a look at a few examples to show you what I mean:  

The effect is 100% dependent on how your organization reacts to the crisis. The goal in proper crisis management is to address the issue transparently, mitigate harm and restore public trust.  

If a crisis is any unexpected event or situation that threatens to damage an organization, that’s a pretty wide net to cast! Being prepared takes time, forethought, practice and the complete buy-in from executives. It can feel like a massive undertaking, but even small steps can one day add up to great distances. You just need to take that first step. 

To get you started, we created a guidebook to help ensure your organization is adequately protected and prepared to manage any crisis effectively. Remember—you hold the power in his situation. Your reaction dictates what happens next. You’ve got this.