There are plenty of opportunities for crisis to occur in the world today. Possibilities range from your local community to global events that affect everyone. Everyone has heard of shooting in your home town that instilled shock and horror on the community. Unfortunately, no one is shielded from the news of masses of people being terminated in bombings or terrorist attacks either.
What could be more devastating than the Crisis?
It is quite obvious that any crisis similar to the ones mentioned would be devastating to individuals and communities alike. Dealing with such a fact on a personal level can leave a person reeling and unable to accept and handle their own emotions. What could be worse than dealing with the crisis itself? Add to the already horrifying crisis strife among stakeholders. Those in a company or any organization that do not agree with the manner in which it should be handled can result in a blow up of emotions. This can even lead to verbal or physical violence.
Such strife and arguments can only cause added devastation not only to those directly involved, but to every member of the organization. On the highest scale, it could affect the general population.
Corporate or Organization Effects
What happens when those within a corporation or organization do not agree? The effects can be seriously damaging. You may have heard that a house divided will fall. This is quite true. Any organization that has more than a handful of people will have differing opinions. However, the people must maintain the same goal and determine to work toward that goal collectively. This means working out differences civilly.
The media likes nothing better than getting a good scoop on two or more people within an organization that do not agree. Highlighting the controversy is the job of the media and will likely fuel the fires. Therefore, resolving to handle the differences quietly and professionally is a key to successful crisis management.
Prevent Internal Strife
The best method for preventing internal strife is preparation. When a plan is prepared in advance, presented and agreed upon by all members the chances of disagreement during a crisis is significantly diminished. This is why it is essential to have a well-planned policy and committees chosen in advance, that specifies courses of action in certain situation. The plan should also designate who will make decisions in the event that a circumstance is not specifically covered by the policies in place.
As with everything prevention is much less painful than trying to put out fires during or after the fact. For corporate reputation management, your own reputation and peace of mind, and public safety you must have a prepared plan of action for crisis communication and crisis management. Keep all stakeholders informed of crisis management policies and elicit input in its development. This will ensure that you do not have additional conflict to resolve in the midst of an already stressful crisis situation.
Why Are We Having More and More Crises?
It seems as if nearly every time you watch the news there are numerous reports of various crises all around the community and the globe. The fact of the matter is that you can not go a day without a report of a catastrophe. Things seem to be more and more negative all the time. Why?
The Role of Technology in Managing Crises
When a crisis happens, whether on a local or a global scale, people find out in a hurry. It is phenomenal how fast you can find out about an event that took place on the other side of the world. Often within minutes or even less people are alerted and directed about impending weather, natural disasters, fires, chemical spills, dangerous gunmen, or other crisis. In that situation, few stop to realize the technology behind these communications.
The Importance Of Solid Communications Channels During An Emergency
Emergencies occur as a fact of life. There is not necessarily any kind of control over whether the situation occurs, but there is a choice in how crisis management is handled. For an unexpected situation to be handled in a timely and appropriate manner there must be solid channels of communication.
