4 Characteristics Of A Solid Crisis Communication Plan

by Purvi Dalvi Writer

When you operate a company, there will be scenarios that demands immediate redressal. In such situations, you must have a proper communication plan in place. It assures the stakeholders that their vested interest is not compromised. There are many firms and individual specialists who offer their services, which can help you to tackle issues. It is always advisable to hire such facilities well in advance. That will give ample time to formulate the strategy and understand your product and services with the consumer base of effective planning.

Here are a list of characteristics of effective crisis communication planning:

1. Clear and Thorough Explanation

The stakeholders always expect the access to first-hand information. They want to stay important and active in the operations. They appreciate the narration of complete crisis and its implication at once. It is never a great idea to delay the transfer of information. If you are anticipating the dust to settle down before passing on the whole story to the owners of the company, it could be challenging to rectify the situation by then. Some critical elements of the message are as under:

Brief description of the crisis
The reason for the setback
Possible consequences
Blueprint of the plan to tackle such situation
Feasible solutions

2. Consistency Across Stakeholders

You are required to be honest while revealing details of the crisis to stakeholders. The channel of communication needs to be clear and partial. The most challenging part of transferring any information is to make sure that every participant receives the message without any sugar-coating and varied descriptions. The stakeholders must stay on the same page while going through a rough patch. All workforce dedicated to your organisation should undergo proper training on crisis communication strategy and handling of media.

3. Quick Action

Taking a swift but calculative action to curb the disaster is the best way to move forward. You are required to make the team who understands the whole scenario and has got the expertise to tackle the same. Ask them to analyse the situation and pitch the solution. Scan through the internal and external steps and discuss the same with stakeholders for their approval. Initiate the action after crisis communication planning with immediate effect.

4. Social Media and Online Update

The availability of numerous social media platforms and its reach has changed the dynamics of responding to a crisis. At times these handles are the one who creates the trouble for the brand and its product line. You should have a proper strategy for handling the crisis on the web. There are a lot of people who follow the brand and are in touch with the latest news coming out in the media.

They will react to such news via their social media accounts, and potential clients will make a perception about your brand. So, it is imperative to notify your followers about the scenario and things you are undertaking to rectify the problems while formulating a solid crisis communication planning.