To coordinate an effective crisis management plan, you must first know its key elements, which include:
Identify Crisis Management Team Members
Leadership is a vital element in handling crises. A group of internal or risk committee response teams should be assembled. They must consist of senior executive officers tasked with managing the organization’s response to a crisis. Include a designated contact person, plus an alternate in case they’re unreachable, so your organization can respond swiftly and decisively when crises strike.
The board of directors must identify suitable people for the task. Possible team members might include:
- Chair of a specific committee
- General counsel or assistant
- Senior management members
- Head of public relations
- One or more board members
The board or company might decide to adjust the crisis response team, depending on the type of crisis involved.
Document Crisis Criteria
Establishing the criteria that defines a business crisis is an essential step in preparing for unforeseen events. Through careful analysis of past experiences and possible future scenarios, you can create clear standards to determine when you are facing grave situations that require decisive action.
Establish Monitoring Systems
Early detection is key to successful crisis management and a critical aspect of any business safety net. Monitoring systems provide you with the opportunity to stay ahead of potential issues, enabling you to not only be aware, but also make adjustments when necessary.
Test Plan Effectiveness
Without being tested, a crisis management plan remains just an idea. To be confident in its effectiveness, it must pass the rigors of realistic simulation, proving that even when faced with unexpected challenges due to potential crises, you are prepared for successful mitigation.