Preparing for a CRISIS  

Unless an emergency is handled with speed and accuracy, the reputation of a country or an organisation could be badly damaged. We had such a situation in New Zealand, where 50 people were shot and killed while attending midday prayers. 

A handful of tips to help prepare for an unexpected crisis

* Preparation is the key

          Be prepared. Baden-Powell’s advice is still sound.  It pays to be prepared for any unexpected crisis.

          List all the possible disasters that could occur to lives, property, and the environment that could be associated with your home or business. Consider fire, recalls of products, accidents to employees, theft and accounting errors etc.

“What should we do if……..?” 

* Devise procedures

          Consult advisers and team leaders about all possible emergency situations.

          Document procedures to follow after a sudden crisis situation. Have a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place; this is a proactive plan to help ensure a business’ operations can continue during an emergency or a disaster.

          All employees must be informed of their responsibilities and understand what they should do in each type of emergency.   

*  Train people

          Carry out simulated unexpected exercises from time to time.

* Make plans and keep them updated      

          Make someone responsible for keeping crisis directories updated at all times with the latest names and contact numbers of who to contact in an emergency and what action must be taken.

* Communication is so important

          Employ communication specialists. They must be honest and open with the media and make full use of social media.

          They must keep your people, clients and the public fully informed as soon as possible after an emergency.

         Employees must be informed first; they must know whose job it is to do what in a crisis.

          Appoint only one media spokesperson to avoid confusing messages.

          You can cease speculation by being honest.  Only presenting the facts of an event and the actions being taken.

Geoffrey Moss  (mossassociates.co.nz)

“After a crisis don’t look for scapegoats – look for ways to improve systems.” 

Source: “Revitalise YOUR Business” first published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand, Singapore Institute of Management, Ane Books India and McGraw-Hill Australia