Crisis Communications 101

When faced with a crisis, effective communication is crucial, yet many facing a crisis want to be too quick and too short with responding or worse yet - not to communicate at all – an “it will all blow over” mentality!? It’s often due to fear of control, thinking it will be easier to let it take its course, or even saying the wrong thing!

A "one and done" approach may seem tempting but is ultimately harmful and more often than not reflects poorly on your brand. Instead, a better approach - adopt a layered communication strategy. Here's why it matters:

Open Dialogue: Foster continuous communication to build trust and connection.

Control the Narrative: Regular updates help you own your story and minimize misinformation.

Build Trust: Repeated, clear messaging reinforces trust over time.

Flexibility: Spread out responses to address issues progressively and thoughtfully.

Tips for Success:

·???????? Establish your strategic goals before a crisis hits

·???????? Seek advice when you’re not in crisis

·???????? Practice the techniques and process before a crisis appears

·???????? Practice with your internal teams so it becomes a natural response.

·???????? Prioritize transparency and honesty from the start.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States.