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Crisis Management Tips
by: Colin Ong TS
The term crisis management has
different connotations. In this article, I will try to provide
pointers that can be used in most situations:
Is It A Crisis In The First Place?:
This question is important to ask,
as there are many situations that go wrong because the right person
to handle it is not around. You may be in charge of a project until
your supervisor comes back and are unable to contact him during a
crisis. You have to make your own decisions in his absence and your
action is dependent on the level of authority given.
The Big Picture:
It is not easy to handle a crisis
if you are not aware of the all the facts. If your role is a leader,
you have to be detached from the emotional side of the crisis and
rationally take stock of how to move on. Again, this is not as easy
as it sounds as you may have long-time colleagues who are involved
in this crisis.
The Relevant Team:
It is important to be able to meet
up with the relevant team to discuss about the situation. This is to
ensure that the team is able to analyse and make a united stand
about handling this crisis. This team should also comprise of the
authorities, if the crisis is serious.
The Timeline:
You must construct a timeline and
ensure that each process scenario is highlighted. This practice will
be a check to prevent your team from spending too much time in one
aspect of handling the crisis.
Procedural Manual:
Is there an organizational
situational manual that you can use for this situation? Are you able
to recollect the tips that were given to you when you participated
in a mock drill?
External Experts:
You should get external experts to
access the situation if the crisis is totally unanticipated.
However, you must have had a close-door meeting with your inner
circle. This is essential, as you do not want to unnecessarily
reveal confidential information to external parties.
Speaking To The Media:
It is important to prepare a press
kit-which provides a full detailed report about the crisis. If you
are comfortable to conduct a press interview, you have to ensure
that you have the full details first.
Your Communication Style:
You have to ensure that your
communication style is in sync with the crisis. Remember to be
forthcoming with reliable information and try not to speculate. This
will also ensure that the victims’ immediate families do not overly
worry. It will also not help if you come across as very emotional in
the media as you want to communicate that your organization has
everything under control.
Beyond Your Control:
If the crisis involves the loss of
lives, it is not unthinkable that your credibility and
organisation’s reputation is put into question. Assuming that the
crisis was beyond your organisation’s control, you have to stick to
your best judgement and not be led into a debate that may open your
organisation to possible legal action.
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