If you don’t tell your story, someone else will.
And that’s not a risk worth taking. A crisis is the ultimate test of a company’s reputation and competency with the potential to jeopardize corporate identity and interrupt business operations.
A true communications crisis occurs when a signaling event surpasses the scale or capacity of an organization’s normal systems for response. Investigations could ensue. Potential victims and their families will likely require answers. And the media will ask tough questions.
Enduring a crisis is an emotional experience for everyone involved.
Research has shown those responsible for handling a crisis feel anger, sympathy, fear and anxiety – the same emotions felt by those impacted by the crisis. Emotions will shape public opinion and emotions will guide those responsible for responding to, and mitigating a crisis.
With any crisis comes opportunity.
The Chinese word for crisis, wei ji, is an expression derived from two words: danger and opportunity. Ryan can help provide real opportunity amid crisis by setting the stage for your company to emerge with a positive public impression and renewed confidence.
Protecting an organization’s reputation means telling its story.
Entering the conversation requires tremendous coordination and communication with shareholders, business partners, suppliers, employees, regulators, the media and most importantly, your loyal customers. Preparing for a crisis involves planning – and a willingness to execute the plan – to protect your brand and its value, reduce legal consequences, maintain continuity of operations, and tell your story.
Emerging from a crisis brings the opportunity of learning by determining what worked, what didn’t and why. Crisis management is a continually evolving process, requiring work before, during and after a crisis has passed or the threat is removed.