You're facing a crisis situation at work. When should you bring in external stakeholders for help?

1 Assess Urgency

When a crisis hits, the first step is to assess the urgency and impact. If the situation threatens significant financial loss, legal repercussions, or severe damage to your company's reputation, it may be time to call in external stakeholders. Their expertise and resources can be invaluable in managing the crisis efficiently. Ensure that you understand the severity of the situation and have a clear picture of the potential outcomes before reaching out for external help.

2 Identify Expertise

Sometimes, a crisis requires specialized knowledge that your current team lacks. In such cases, identify what expertise is needed to resolve the issue effectively. Whether it's a legal, financial, or public relations matter, bringing in professionals with the right skill set can be crucial. Consider the areas where your team may be outmatched and seek external stakeholders who can fill those gaps competently.

3 Consider Implications

Before reaching out to external stakeholders, consider the long-term implications of involving them. Their intervention might solve the immediate crisis but could also lead to loss of control over certain decisions or changes in company direction. Weigh the potential benefits against the risks of external involvement. It's essential to maintain a balance where the help provided does not compromise the core values and autonomy of your company.

4 Evaluate Relationships

The decision to involve external stakeholders should also factor in the existing relationships and agreements you have with them. Some stakeholders might have a vested interest in the company's success and are likely to offer assistance during a crisis. However, it's important to evaluate how their involvement might affect your relationship moving forward. Transparency and clear communication are key to maintaining trust and ensuring that all parties are aligned with the crisis resolution strategy.

5 Plan Engagement

Once you've decided to involve external stakeholders, plan your engagement carefully. Outline the scope of their involvement, establish clear objectives, and set boundaries to ensure they understand their role in the crisis management process. Effective planning will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that their contribution is focused and beneficial. Remember, bringing in external help should augment your efforts, not create additional layers of complexity.

6 Monitor Progress

After external stakeholders are brought in, closely monitor the progress and impact of their involvement. Ensure that their actions align with the agreed-upon strategy and that they contribute positively to resolving the crisis. Regular updates and checkpoints will help keep everyone on track and allow for adjustments if necessary. It's crucial to maintain oversight to ensure that the crisis is moving towards a resolution in line with your company's objectives.