2011 crisis communication—3 critical things your plan should include
While a crisis at your business may not be on the same scale of those experienced by BP or Tiger Woods last year, a crisis management plan (CMP) is something every business or organization should have. Consider it an outline for reference but keep in mind that when you implement your plan, it will need to be flexible based on the type of crisis you are dealing with.
Your CMP should include three main elements:
1. Contact information of key stakeholders
2. An overview of what to do when a crisis happens
3. Any forms you will need to document your crisis response
Having a plan in place when a crisis happens will enable you to prepare your internal “crisis team,” (who should be prepped of their role long before a crisis occurs) and will serve as a basic roadmap during a time when clear thinking may be difficult because things are moving so quickly. Tip: update your CMP every year and conduct a run-through. You’ll thank yourself if and when an actual crisis happens.
