Timely – Transparent – Trusted

 

When a crisis strikes, effective communication is critical for minimising the negative impacts and protecting the reputation of an organisation. However, the fast-paced nature of a crisis situation can make it difficult to know where to start when it comes to communicating with stakeholders. 

 

Here are some key first steps for communicating in a crisis:

 

1. Assess the situation: The first step in any crisis communication plan is to assess the situation and gather as much information as possible. This includes determining the scope of the crisis, the potential impacts, and the key stakeholders who will be affected.

 

2. Develop a plan: A written crisis communication plan should outline the steps to take in the event of a crisis, including who is responsible for each step and how to communicate with employees, customers, and the media.

 

3. Identify a spokesperson: The crisis management team should designate a spokesperson to communicate with the media and the public. This person should be knowledgeable about the crisis, able to speak confidently, and able to convey information clearly and concisely.

 

4. Issue a holding statement: A holding statement is a short, concise statement that is issued during a crisis to acknowledge the crisis and provide a limited amount of information while more detailed information is being gathered. The holding statement should include an acknowledgement of the crisis, a brief overview of the situation, any actions that have been taken in response, and an update on any ongoing efforts to address the crisis.

 

5. Communicate with key stakeholders: Once the holding statement has been issued, it is important to communicate with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as email, social media, or phone.

 

By following these first steps, organisations can begin to effectively communicate with stakeholders during a crisis and minimise the negative impacts of the situation. Crisis communication is a fluid process, and it is important to continuously monitor and update the plan as new information becomes available. 

 

By staying calm, transparent, and responsive, organisations can navigate even the most challenging crisis situations.

 

For immediate expert assistance with construction and real estate-related issues, contact the Property District team in confidence at info@propertydistrict.ie or telephone +353 1 442 8811. www.propertydistrict.ie