What Is Crisis Management
and Communication?
Crisis management and communication is the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of actions to navigate and mitigate the impact of unexpected and potentially damaging events on an organisation. The multi-pronged approach includes public relations, risk management, and strategic communication to effectively address crises.
In times of crisis, whether due to natural disasters, accidents, financial downturns, or reputation-threatening incidents, organisations need a structured response to protect their stakeholders and reputation. According to a 2021 Global Crisis Survey by PwC, 95% of corporate executives acknowledge the necessity for improving their crisis management capabilities
Crisis communication involves crafting clear and timely messages, addressing public concerns, and managing media relations. However, crisis management extends beyond communication; it also includes proactive planning, risk assessment, and implementation of strategies to minimise the severity of the crisis and expedite recovery.
Successful crisis communication and management require a rapid and coordinated response, transparency, empathy, and a focus on rebuilding trust. Organisations that invest in robust crisis strategies are better equipped to weather challenges and emerge with their reputation intact.
The Role of Communication in
Crisis Management
Communication is vital when handling tough situations like crises. When something unexpected and unfavourable happens, how we talk to others can make a big difference. In a crisis, clear and honest communication helps people understand what's going on and what to do. It's like giving everyone a roadmap to navigate through the problem.
Good communication also builds trust. If people believe you're telling the truth and keeping them informed, they're more likely to stay calm. In crisis management, it's not just about talking – it's about listening, too.
Understanding what others are feeling and thinking helps you make better decisions and find solutions. You could say communication is like a superhero in crisis management – it guides, reassures, and brings people together.
Importance of Crisis Management
and Communication
Crisis management and communication provide a structured approach for organisations to handle unexpected challenges effectively. In times of crisis, having a well-thought-out plan helps minimise damage, maintain stability, and expedite recovery.
Communication is equally vital. It serves as the bridge that keeps everyone informed, reassured, and on the same page. Clear and honest messaging fosters trust, which is essential for navigating turbulent times.
Ignoring crisis management and communication can lead to confusion, reputational damage, and prolonged recovery. Embracing these practices enables organisations to face adversity with resilience, safeguarding their reputation and ensuring a smoother path through challenging and volatile situations.
Phases of Crisis Management
Crisis management is split into two phases: a pre-crisis phase focused on preparation and planning,
followed by a crisis response phase where organisations implement strategies to navigate challenges,
minimise damage, and protect stakeholders.
Pre-Crisis Phase:
In the pre-crisis phase, organisations engage in strategic planning and preparation to enhance their resilience. This involves identifying potential risks, conducting risk assessments, and developing comprehensive crisis management plans.
In this phase, you form teams, define roles, and establish communication protocols. You’ll need to hold regular training and simulations to ensure everyone is familiar with their responsibilities. This approach will foster a proactive and prepared organisational culture. The focus is on preventing, or at least minimising, the impact of potential crises through thoughtful anticipation and preparation.
Crisis Response Phase:
When a crisis occurs, the organisation transitions into the crisis response phase. This is marked by the activation of the pre-established crisis management plan. Swift decision-making, clear communication, and effective coordination are paramount. The crisis response phase involves executing the planned strategies to manage the situation, mitigate damage, and protect the organisation's interests.
Communication efforts become crucial, addressing various stakeholders with transparency and clarity. Monitoring and adapting strategies in real-time, organisations work to resolve the crisis efficiently, learn from the experience, and emerge with their reputation intact.
Together, these two phases form a comprehensive approach to handling unforeseen challenges.
Our Comprehensive Crisis Management
And Communication Services
Goodman Lantern helps businesses manage crises by offering strategic planning and
effective communication. We specialise in crisis management and safeguarding reputation.
Brand Recovery Solutions
Goodman Lantern specialises in crafting tailored strategies to recover and enhance brands following a crisis, ensuring a resilient and positive image in the market.
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Crisis Management Team Planning
Our crisis communications experts assist in developing and refining crisis management teams, ensuring preparedness, and facilitating efficient decision-making during critical situations.
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Leadership Communications Coaching
We provide coaching to leaders for effective communication during crises, enhancing their ability to convey messages with clarity, empathy, and authority.
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Reputation Monitoring and Management
Goodman Lantern employs proactive strategies to monitor and manage reputations, safeguarding organisations from potential damage and swiftly addressing emerging issues.
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External Stakeholder Communications
Our services encompass developing and executing communication plans to keep external stakeholders informed, ensuring transparency and maintaining trust.
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Employee and Community Relations
We focus on nurturing positive relationships with employees and communities, fostering understanding and support during challenging times.
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Crisis Preparedness Consultation
Goodman Lantern offers consultation services to help organisations proactively prepare for potential crises, including risk assessments and tailored crisis response plans.
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Social Media Response
Our team is adept at formulating and executing swift and effective responses on social media platforms to manage online narratives during crises.
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Media Relations
We assist in managing media interactions, ensuring an accurate representation of the organisation's stance and maintaining a positive public image.
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Crisis Response Strategy
Goodman Lantern develops comprehensive crisis response strategies, guiding organisations through swift and decisive actions to address challenges and protect their interests.
Learn More Key Benefits of Our Crisis
Management Services
Goodman Lantern's crisis management services provide numerous benefits.
We are experts in crisis communications and have years of experience in strategic planning,
crisis response, and communication strategies. Our goal is to protect your company's reputation
during a crisis. Our crisis management services provide for the following.
Preparedness
We will help your organisation proactively anticipate and plan for potential challenges, ensuring readiness to face unforeseen events.
Risk mitigation
By identifying and assessing potential risks in advance, our crisis management services allow you to implement strategies to minimise the impact of crises.
Swift response
Our crisis management plan will enable you to respond quickly and decisively when a crisis occurs, minimising damage and facilitating a more efficient recovery.
Reputation protection
Crisis management focuses on maintaining a positive public image. With Goodman Lantern effectively handling all communication and managing the crisis, your reputation is protected.
Stakeholder trust
Our services include clear and transparent communication during a crisis, which fosters trust among stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the community.
Strategic decision-making
Our strategic planning and decision-making ensures that your organisation navigates challenges with a structured and well-thought-out approach.
Employee morale
With GL properly managing any crises that may arise, this helps to maintain employee morale by demonstrating leadership's ability to handle challenges, instilling confidence within your company.
Financial stability
Another benefit of our crisis management services is that we can help prevent long-term financial damage, preserving the stability and sustainability of your organisation.
Regulatory compliance
Crisis management often involves compliance with regulations and ethical standards. Our services ensure your organisation adheres to the legal requirements during challenging situations.
How GL Helps in Crisis Management
and Communication
Goodman Lantern is a specialist in crisis management and communication. We offer various services to help guide your organisation during difficult times.
Our brand recovery solutions focus on rebuilding and enhancing reputations post-crisis. We specialise in planning for crisis teams so your organisation can handle challenges effectively. Our leadership communication coaching empowers executives to convey messages with clarity and authority.
We actively monitor and manage reputations, addressing emerging issues before they escalate. Our tailored external stakeholder communications build transparency and maintain trust. Employee and community relations efforts foster positive relationships, garnering support during crises. Through crisis preparedness consultations, we help organisations proactively plan for potential challenges.
With precise social media response and adept media relations, we manage online narratives effectively. Our crisis response strategies guide organisations through challenges, preserving reputation and ensuring a resilient public image.
When you are faced with a challenging situation, there is no one better than Goodman Lantern to be your trusted crisis communications specialist in navigating crises with confidence and expertise.
Our Clients Love Working With Us Because We Believe in Collaboration
At Goodman Lantern, we’re all about building long-term, successful relationships with our clients. We take the time to get to know your business and the people behind your brand. In true collaborative spirit, we do everything we can to tell your story and help your business grow.
“Goodman Lantern has an unparalleled level of skill and talent, coupled with a keen understanding of implementation.”
“The communication is excellent and you receive responses within 24 hours.”
“We are delighted with our collaboration with Goodman Lantern because in addition to always delivering the content on time, they have also been extremely responsive to all our requests. Moreover, it was a real pleasure to work with a team that is both very professional and fundamentally human.”
Crisis Management Services FAQs
How does Goodman Lantern assess and identify potential risks for an organisation?
To evaluate risks for an organisation, we analyse its industry, operations, and external factors. To do this, we study historical incidents, assess risks, and keep up with industry trends. To be well-prepared for challenges and protect reputation, we identify vulnerabilities and potential threats. Then, we develop a crisis management and communication plan tailored to address specific risks.
What training or workshops does Goodman Lantern offer to help my team be better prepared for potential crises?
Goodman Lantern provides personalised training and workshops led by crisis communications experts to help companies better prepare for crises. The sessions teach crisis communication strategies, leadership coaching for effective communication, and simulate real-time crises through scenario-based simulations. Our training helps teams respond quickly and effectively during crises, building resilience and unity. By preparing ahead, your organisation can confidently handle challenges and avoid damaging its reputation.
How do you handle internal communication during a crisis to ensure a consistent and unified message?
We ensure consistent and unified internal communication by implementing a structured approach. To make communication clear, we provide updates and use designated channels for messaging employees. We teach businesses to communicate clearly and honestly, stressing the need to share accurate information quickly. We also ensure internal communication matches external messaging to avoid confusion. Goodman Lantern provides training and workshops led by crisis communications experts. These sessions prepare your internal teams for effective communication in high-stress situations.
How do you tailor communication strategies for different stakeholders, such as employees, customers, and the media?
Goodman Lantern designs communication plans for different stakeholders by understanding their unique needs and concerns. For employees, messages focus on transparency, reassurance, and clear instructions to maintain morale. Customer communication emphasises empathy, addressing concerns, and providing solutions. Media messages are crafted to be accurate, timely, and aligned with the organisation's values. We make sure our messages are consistent on all channels. We also adapt the tone and content to match each stakeholder group's expectations and interests. This approach fosters trust and understanding during crises.
Get in Touch
From risk assessment to communication strategies, we are here to help. We provide corporate crisis management to empower businesses. Book a discovery call today with our team, and we’ll help you determine your next steps.
Hundreds of Businesses
Contact Us
+44 3300270912 (UK)- +1 929 299-3999 (US)
- info@goodmanlantern.com
- 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX
- 2235 West 23rd Street, New York
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"The team was approachable and did an excellent job at coordinating with me to keep the project on track." Poonam Singh,
Zoho - Senior Marketing Manager