Here's how you can effectively support and communicate with your team after a PR failure.

I believe the line is " First one to the story tells the story." This should be applied to any sort of PR crisis. When you tell the story (warts and all), you control the story. Times in my career where we had a blunder, telling the story first was a gamechanger. Also make good friends with your internal legal counsel. They will be able to guide you on what to say and how. But most of all, acknowledging the mistake, error or blunder, it could create instant credibility with press to admitting to the failure.

Often the failure is an organisational problem due to something outside your direct control - but you’re called in to fix it. Basically: 1. Acknowledgment of the issue. 2. Plain language apologies. 3. Some quick actionable steps to mitigate the issue.

It is crucial to show that you stand with the team as the PR failure unfolds. It is usually a delicate time when things don't go as expected, so mismanagement in handling the team can cause irreparable damage to morale and team dynamics. It is the mark of a good leader who's able to keep the team together and motivated during a PR crisis. Keep communication lines open and encourage discussions. Reflect on what went wrong and how to grow and learn from it. Be action-oriented, focus on solutions, and move forward instead of stewing in the situation. Back up your team when it comes to dealings with stakeholders to establish assurance. This is also a good time to strategize existing PR procedures to avoid future mishaps.

Acknowledging the failure is the key. Ask evey team member to think and share their own reasons for the failure. This can be done without disclosing the identity of the individual participants, if needed. Introspection should be open and genuine, that's all. Once you identify the set of problems, the team member would be able to suggest remedies. Solution for the remaining hard to crack nuts should be found out collectively. Some ventures are bound to fail. Clients also should be told about that

Effectively support your team after a PR failure by fostering open communication and a supportive environment. Encourage team members to share their perspectives and concerns while actively listening and acknowledging their feelings. Provide reassurance and guidance on next steps, emphasizing collective responsibility and learning from the experience. Offer constructive feedback and encourage collaboration on strategies to address the situation and prevent future failures. Lastly, recognize and appreciate the team's efforts in managing the aftermath of the PR failure, reinforcing a sense of unity and resilience.

One of the things I see so many CEO's and leaders undervalue is the importance of internal communications - especially in times of crisis / failure. All I can say is - don't be that person. Your team is a key stakeholder, so be sure you're communicating with them effectively. And ps - once you're involved in a crisis (or really at any point if you're part of a larger / more known organization) everything that you do or say internally WILL become public info... so tread carefully!

After a PR failure, foster a culture of open communication by gathering your team to analyze the situation collaboratively. Encourage everyone to share their perspectives and insights to gain a comprehensive understanding of what went wrong. By collectively examining the root causes and identifying lessons learned, you empower your team to take ownership of the situation and contribute to finding solutions. This inclusive approach not only strengthens team cohesion but also fosters a sense of accountability and resilience in navigating future challenges. Together, you'll emerge stronger and more prepared to overcome any PR hurdle.

Following a PR setback, prioritize your team's well-being and open communication. Facilitate a focused debriefing to analyze the situation collaboratively. Acknowledge the stress and disappointment, and offer support and resources. Reiterate the team's value and remind them that setbacks are learning opportunities. Finally, communicate a clear path forward with corrective actions and improved communication strategies. This fosters trust and helps your team emerge stronger.

Blunders are a great opportunity for growth. Although painful experiencing, the lessons learned can only catapult a career to the next level. For me, I had the opportunity to message a cancellation of a global conference at the early days of the pandemic. It was a scary time and nerves were running high. Attendees were mad that the event was being cancelled, exhibitors wanted their money back, and the organization was worried about the future. Throw in that we had POTUS coming to our event as well, and I don't know if you want to call the start of the pandemic a fail, but that time taught me any crisis or failure can be handled with transparency, honesty and defined timelines of when you will be messaging updates.