What Were the Results of Your Crisis Analysis? Is Your Company Exposed?
Warren Buffett says, “It takes twenty years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” Most leaders do an excellent job of leading the organizations for which they’re responsible. However, while they’re focused on developing vision, motivating people and driving results, there are many issues which routinely threaten their people, assets and brands. And, a disruption in business continuity can result in a loss of brand integrity, a diminished personal reputation, an undermining of stakeholder confidence, a reduction in profitability and in the most serious of cases, loss of life. The Fallston Group helps leaders prepare for, navigate through and recover from issues of adversity or crisis. Crises Defined Crises cause instability, confusion and danger; they unexpectedly yield themselves in many forms. The generally accepted categories of crisis include natural disaster, technological (IT, industrial accident), confrontation (picketing, ultimatums), malevolence (murder, kidnapping), organizational misdeeds (misconduct), workplace violence and unique business occurrences (negative press, employee relations issues, lawsuits). Crisis Leadership The strengths and shortcomings of leaders are perhaps never more magnified than during times of adversity. And, the ability to lead with integrity and communicate effectively to all stakeholders couldn’t be more important than when others are depending on timely leadership guidance to spur organizational resiliency. And, if not handled appropriately, these issues may cost millions of dollars and a multitude of careers. The key to surviving is found in preparation, pace and organized response based on fact so confidence and continuity is restored quickly. Our mantra – “If you don’t tell your story, someone else will. And, when someone else tells your story, it won’t be the story you want told” is true. Communicating effectively can dramatically reduce the compounding, crippling effects of an adverse circumstance. Facing the onslaught of probing questions from the media and all concerned stakeholders during the most difficult of times can be daunting. It is imperative to strengthen and effectively deliver core messages, identify critical distribution channels and quickly shape stakeholder opinion in the sudden face of scrutiny or chaos. What Now… Immediately perform a crisis audit to determine exposure points. Once learned, prioritize, plan for and train against the risk. Whether audit, policy, training, crisis management, communications, media, human resiliency or business recovery services are needed, we stand ready to respond. Planning is power; turn adversity into advantage with the Fallston Group.
Mid-Air Crisis Turns to Rock-Solid Advantage
Adversity as serious as a hole in the roof of a jetliner at 30,000 feet can still turn to advantage with the right crisis planning and response. Southwest Airlines has come through that potentially deadly and damaging event with flying colors. The hole tore through the roof of a Southwest 737-300 as it cruised above Arizona on its way to Sacramento. Instantly, the well-trained flight crew acted to divert and land the plane with no incident. Next, company leaders wasted no time, grounded the fleet and halted business operations while taking full responsibility for pinpointing the problem. Almost immediately, media attention was pointed at the aircraft’s manufacturer and Southwest’s safety and inspection records were heralded by the National Transportation Safety Board. An event that could have sent air travelers in droves to the competition has potentially strengthened customer loyalty to an airline known for low-price and high-service. In the end, Southwest’s crisis plan involving fast action and free-flowing information is winning praise from airline industry analysts, public relations experts and most importantly, customers. Read more here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bs-md-southwest-airlines-20110407,0,4930336.story
Free “Shred Event” to Fight ID Theft
Identity theft costs each Maryland victim more than $2000 on average. Businesses victims lose even more; an average of $29,000. That’s why Incred-A-Shred is teaming with Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler and Junior Achievement of Central Maryland for a free “shred event” to help you destroy sensitive documents and protect yourself from ID theft. WHEN: Saturday April 9th from 9 AM to 1 PM. WHERE: Baltimore’s Polytechnic Institute – 1400 W. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21209 Haul your paper, hard drives and all forms of storage media to Incred-A-Shred’s massive shredding trucks and it will be securely destroyed and gone for good. No registration is required and Maryland Consumer Protection Division representatives, as well as Attorney General Gansler, will be on hand with ways to help prevent your identity from being stolen. All proceeds from recycled materials will go directly to Junior Achievement whose mission it is to foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills for young people.
