Crises, or their potential occurrence, are an unavoidable aspect of leading any type of business. However, according to Scott Sobel, president of the crisis management firm, Media & Communications Strategies, many organizations — including some of the largest and most established — do not have adequate crisis management strategies in place.
Here, we explore some fundamental ways of ensuring that your company effectively handles and responds to a crisis situation.
Review scenarios. Create a list of all possible circumstances which could leave your company in dire condition; from natural disasters to economic emergencies, and everything in between. Be sure to include partners, employees, and those with legal expertise in your brainstorm session, and work together to devise specific plans in order to effectually deal with each scenario.
Identify a unique command chain. The personnel ladder that works for your daily business proceedings may not necessary apply to certain crisis situations. Identify members of your staff whose expertise would be most applicable and useful during specific emergency situations, documenting a new chain of command for those particular instances.
Set up a communication plan. Should an emergency arise which leaves your organization non-operational, have a set of go-to statements that are ready to post and send to customers, clients, and employees to inform them of your current situation through your website, social media, or email contact list. Be sure to also compile a list of emergency contact numbers and email addresses so that the company’s decision makers and other important responders can be reached any time of day.
Review your insurance options. This is a vital, although often overlooked, step in the process. By assessing and adjusting (where necessary) the applicable portions of your company’s insurance policy, you can assure that you are financially covered, should the worst occur. Also, remember to evaluate the capacity of your business interruption insurance so you will know your limits should you need to temporarily cease operations.
Post-crisis evaluation. Once your organization has recovered, utilize this opportunity to learn from the situation. Where there specific instances where your team came through successfully or others that proved unnecessarily chaotic? Reestablish your crisis plan under the direction of a crisis response or intervention team, and streamline your strategies in the likelihood that you will need them again in the future.
In Conclusion
While it’s natural that we wish to assume only the best is in store for us, it’s also crucial to assume a pragmatic approach when considering your company’s future. A crisis management plan that is both clear and comprehensive will be a silent asset to any organization during an urgent or disastrous situation. The more effort expended in creating thorough working strategies, the more your plan will work for you when you need it most. Even if the need for a crisis management plan never arises, consider, alone, the peace of mind it will create for you and your closest associates.
Stewart, Cooper & Coon, has helped thousands of decision makers and senior executives move up in their careers and achieve significantly improved financial packages within short time frames. Contact Fred Coon – 866-883-4200, Ext. 200