How to Manage Response to Crisis
Friday, November 7, 2008 7:00
A crisis is a major, unpredictable event that threatens to harm an organization and its stakeholders. Crisis management is a relatively important field of management. In the recent time of economic recession, the ability to manage the response to crisis is a key factor determining whether companies can survive and thrive when things go wrong.
There are several steps in crisis response management.
First of all, plan and practise.
In time of crisis, a lot of things need to happen at the same time. So a plan is so very crucial. Extreme pressure can cause people to freeze and forget how to do even the most basic things, so plans should include a checklist including the contact details of key team members and the planning documents should be updated at least every six to twelve months.
Secondly, form a crisis management team to deal with risk is important. The team should be consist of people who know straight away what their roles and responsibilities are.
Thirdly, it’s time to enter the war room and go public with holding statement for the media as rumour can be dangerous.
Fourthly, defend the company and protect what brings real value to the business.
Fiftyly, external adviser will be able to ask the difficult questions that no one within the organisation wants to ask during a crisis. It could be very helpful.
Then, be prepared to adapt should also be beared in the mind as information will come through in bits and pieces and right decisions need to be made fast.
Senventhly, don’t let the crisis dominate. The problem need to be isolated so crisis remains the responsibility of the crisis management team and day-to-day business can continue as normal.
Eightly, look for historical parallels as it might help you to see your way through it.
Last but not least, the results need to be analysed after the crisis. It should be a no-blame assessment of what went wrong and how the crisis was handled.










