Crisis Communications Done Right

Prepare, Perform, Prevail!

In today’s fast-paced world, where news spreads instantly and misinformation can cause significant damage, having a robust crisis communications plan is more critical than ever. Anyone who has ever spent a three-day weekend with extended family knows how quickly something small can turn into something big. This analogy holds true for organizations; minor issues can escalate into major crises if not handled properly and promptly.

Responding to a Crisis

When a crisis strikes, swift and strategic response is essential to mitigate damage and maintain trust with your audiences.

Clear, calm communication is critical; carefully crafted messaging should be disseminated promptly to address the situation transparently without causing undue panic. Assess the situation in real-time, gathering all pertinent facts to inform your response. Regular, transparent updates and a consistent message help to maintain credibility and trust throughout the crisis.

Importance of a Crisis Communications Plan

Crisis communications isn’t just about responding to disasters. It’s also about being prepared before they happen. By having a well-practiced plan in place ahead of time, your organization can navigate the crisis with confidence, demonstrating resilience and commitment to resolving the issue effectively.

A crisis communications plan can help protect your company’s reputation and maintain trust among your clients, audiences and consumers during unexpected events.

Key Steps to Consider

Put together a list of problems your organization could potentially face. Be imaginative and comprehensive. Think about any possible threat to your company’s reputation or business and prioritize those issues so you can prepare for the most urgent problems first.

Identify the “who” in each situation. Ask yourself: if we had to talk about this, who would we be speaking to? Employees, vendors, stakeholders, clients and customers, the public, the media; identify who needs to know and who could potentially find out. Then, assemble an internal crisis team.

Develop potential responses to the crisis examples by drafting themes, Q&As, checklists, and statements. Decide what information is needed by which audience. Educate staff on how to handle media inquiries and direct requests to designated contacts for handling.

Keep it Legal: The Importance of a Crisis Communications Plan

In a two-part series, Androvett PR professionals gathered around the mic to talk Crisis Communications.

Part I: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Don’t wait until there’s a problem to deal with before putting a plan in place. In Part I, Androvett provides real-world examples of how companies and entities could have handled certain situations better. We break down what went right and wrong from a communications standpoint.

Part II: Creating a Strong Framework for Success
Androvett wraps up the series by breaking down American Airlines’ and Scottie Scheffler’s legal woes, and provides direction on how to create a strong framework to ensure your response is measured, your message is credible and that you’re able to put your stakeholders at ease, even when the unexpected happens.

Stay a Step Ahead

A robust crisis communications plan is not just a protective measure, but a vital component of any organization’s strategy.

Being prepared allows you to respond swiftly and effectively, turning potential disasters into opportunities to demonstrate resilience and integrity. By identifying potential threats, understanding your audiences, and preparing clear communications, your organization can navigate crises with confidence, maintaining trust and safeguarding your reputation. Embrace the proactive approach to crisis management, ensuring your organization is always ready to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger.

Connect with our team to design a crisis communication plan that keeps your brand strong, and your audiences informed.