To Master The Art Of Crisis Comms Fix My PR ! Crisis Preparedness...

Traits That CEOs Would Be Wise to Adopt in 2022 Before Their Companies’Next Crisis

When It Comes to Managing a Crisis, Senior Leaders Need These 4 Traits...

Let’s face it, executives — even at a perfect organization, crises are unavoidable. From new COVID variants affecting reopening to supply chain issues to staff reductions, senior leaders must be able to tackle challenges head-on. Here are the four traits CEOs need to navigate a crisis.

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They seek counsel and facts. When the stakes are high, going with your gut may not lead to the best results. Leaders should recognize the limits of their knowledge and turn to experts when developing a crisis management plan. That includes teammates in the organization and external consultants.

They take the heat. A company’s CEO — not its communications pros — should be the one to deliver critical information to staff, the media and the public. “Too many CEOs try to leave hard and dirty parts to subordinates. It never works,” says Rodney Ferguson, who spent 20 years as a communications consultant. “There really needs to be just one voice for the organization, and it has to be the CEO.”

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They plan for the expected — and the unexpected. Scenario planning for a crisis involves more than discussing what could go wrong and how to react. Create a crisis plan that delineates responsibility, identifies spokespeople, lists the rules of engagement and establishes a chain of command. Creating a communication tree, complete with phone numbers, can help you move quickly once a crisis arises. management traits in action.

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They lead with empathy. Ferguson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing employee and customer wellness during moments of crisis. That can involve mental health counseling, time off or financial support. For example, when Upside Business Travel announced its closure, CEO Scott Case prioritized generous severance packages so employees had time to job hunt. Finding ways to lead with empathy can prevent you from making a bad situation worse.

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