Articles

Steps to Create an Effective Crisis Communication Plan

by Purvi Dalvi Writer

Every company is aware that problems and issues arise without any warning. There are times when companies are not ready to tackle a problem or a crisis as it strikes. Time is definitely the essence when a crisis or a problem arises. This is where the importance of having a crisis communication plan comes into the picture. Here are some of the steps you can consider creating an effective crisis communication plan:

Create the Crisis Team

The first step towards creating an effective crisis communication plan is creating a crisis team. This is the team that will be taking care of everything in case of any problem. It is vital to know who will have a seat as far as representing the key aspect of the company is concerned. It majorly includes operations, organisation, employees, community, investors, customers and not to forget stakeholder groups. This expert team works as the backbone of your company, thus helping you make sound and right decisions that work best for the company. When creating a crisis team, ensure you include the name of the individuals, cell phone number, title and other vital contact details.

Know Your Spokespeople

The next and vital step to creating a crisis communication plan is to prepare and know your spokespeople. These are the people who will be addressed to the media. For the same, you are advised to identify the person who will be an official spokesperson for the company. The expert will handle everything in case of any crisis. Besides, ensure the person you choose is experienced and can carry out any task effectively. However, you should know, a spokesperson cannot be the same for every problem. This is one reason having a backup is important!

Develop Procedures

Another vital step that cannot be neglected is knowing the chain of command in case of a crisis. As a company, ensure everything is in place from knowing who will be part of the approval process, what the response would be, knowing what if a reporter reports the problem before the team briefed about the same. All these questions need to have an answer ready; this only takes you a step closer to having a crisis solved.

Brainstorm Possible Situations & Responses

A crisis can strike in any form. It can happen in the form of theft, bankruptcy, natural disaster, or even embezzlement. No matter what crisis it is, having right communication plan ready is of paramount importance. Nothing can worsen the situation more than having poor communication. Identify the situation and develop a response accordingly with your team.

Knowing that crisis can strike anytime, companies now have crisis communication training.


Sponsor Ads


About Purvi Dalvi Advanced   Writer

81 connections, 0 recommendations, 248 honor points.
Joined APSense since, May 24th, 2017, From Mumbai, India.

Created on May 16th 2018 01:28. Viewed 576 times.

Comments

No comment, be the first to comment.
Please sign in before you comment.