Communication … We Can Always Do More
This is perhaps the most important skill needed when dealing with crisis management. Leaders need to be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and in a timely manner during times of crisis. They need to be able to remain calm and focus on relaying pertinent information as quickly as possible. Leaders are much more likely to experience a better outcome when they have the ability to communicate effectively with their employees.
Keep Your Staff Informed – Your staff is apprehensive … and maybe a bit scared. Do they have confidence in you and your team? Will the company survive? Will they keep their jobs … their paychecks? Will they be safe?
While many companies naturally direct their energies outward during such situations, more HR professionals and executives are coming to realize that communicating quickly, often and well with internal stakeholders is equally important, if not more so. Indeed, in an age when every employee can serve as a de facto spokesperson, executing effective internal communications can help ensure worker safety, minimize damage to your brand, return your workforce to productivity and build trust among employees. Communicating is also important for ensuring continued productivity. If staff are unaware of their organization’s response, people are spending more time talking about what’s happening than doing their jobs.
Another recommended step is setting up an alert notification system capable of multiple means of communication using text, e-mail. Make sure all employees have way to contact you or your staff … 24/7.
Keep Your Clients Informed – Let your clients know what is going on. You are probably noticing companies contacting you. Well, it is time to contact your stakeholders …. Customers and Suppliers. If you have not already, get a letter/email to them now. Three internal points to consider:
· We are doing things to help you stay protected
· We are open for business
· We are here for you
Build off of these or create your own. Let them know you are still providing products and services … and that you can weather this storm. Add a paragraph in each area and get it off this week.
What Can We Expect?
The only thing that is constant is change … Heraclitus 500 BC
The experts do not know what is coming … or not coming. With regards to you or someone in your company catching CoVid19 it may not be if, but when. So, plan for the options … abate the threats and realize the opportunities.