Flexible Thinking Key to Safety and Security
By Frank Barile – When the US Navy Seals arrived at their objective in Abbottabad, Pakistan they had already spent multiple hours planning and rehearsing for the raid they were about to conduct. The best military tacticians had designed a clever operation to use a two-pronged assault on the compound that housed Osama bin Laden. One assault team would attack from the roof top working their way down and another assault team would attack from the ground, preventing any escape. Unfortunately, regardless of all the best planning in the world no one could prevent a helicopter from having mechanical trouble causing it to crash land. This unforeseen crash landing could have caused the raid to end disastrously because the crash prevented a SEAL team from mounting the roof as planned. Instead, the SEALs used the unforeseen chain of events to reorganize their strategy and pull-off one of the greatest Special Forces raids in our lifetime. How were they able to reorganize and respond so effectively after the crash landing? US Special Operations Soldiers are trained to be redundant and flexible in their thinking. They are taught very early in their training to realize that their mind is the greatest weapon they possess. Also, you can bet that during the pre-raid rehearsals, the assault teams looked at the various things that could go wrong and planned contingencies for any possible mishap. The flexibility to adapt, combined with the proper mindset, is what makes Special Forces elite. We can learn a very valuable lesson from the monumental event and turn adversity into advantage in our daily lives just like the Seals did during the raid. Too often we are rigid in our thinking and do not plan for contingencies when it comes to our safety and security. Whether we are planning a vacation, trip to the mall or routine business travel, we can take a few minutes to prepare and plan for most unforeseen emergencies. Flexible thinking is a key to your safety and security. It is the mechanism that allows us to plan for the “what if” scenarios which are paramount to our safety and security during crisis and turmoil. To learn more about flexible thinking applied to crisis and issue management contact the Fallston Group at 410-420-2001.
Tweeting: A Costly Game if Not Well Thought-Out
One of the ongoing dangers of social media is the spontaneity with which people distribute their random thoughts, emotion and message. We have seen a number of brands negatively impacted recently by the “quick trigger” of wanting to be heard. After the failings of Kenneth Cole when he tweeted about his spring collection and Cairo, there is now yet another example of an athlete losing a lucrative endorsement deal because he spoke his mind without thinking. The Pittsburgh Associated Press reported the following earlier this week: “PITTSBURGH (AP) The Champion sports apparel company has ended its endorsement deal with Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall over Twitter remarks the player made criticizing people for celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Friday that Champion “strongly disagreed” with the tweets and ended a new four-year contract the player recently signed. Mendenhall has endorsed the company’s products since entering the league in 2008. Mendenhall on Monday questioned the public celebrations of bin Laden’s death, and whether the World Trade Center towers were really brought down on Sept. 11, 2001, only by crashing two hijacked airliners into the buildings. Mendenhall has since clarified his remarks by saying Americans were insulted when some people celebrated the terrorist attacks masterminded by bin Laden, and that others might view Americans celebrating bin Laden’s death the same way.” Let this yet serve as another lesson to everyone…think before you Tweet!
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.
Identity Theft – A Massive Issue
Did you know that someone in America has their identity stolen every 3 seconds? With more people than ever having access to digital information than ever before, it is imperative that you do everything you can to protect your identity. “Dumpster diving,” or rifling through trash cans and recycling bins for personal information is still one of the most common tactics used by identity thieves. So, when you throw something away with personal information on it, the document is not safe unless it is shredded to an unreadable state. According to Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General, it is important to: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity thieves from obtaining personal information; Documents that need to be destroyed include documents that contain your personal information – utility bills, benefits explanations from your health insurer, bank & credit card statements and anything that contains your name, address, Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, passwords or PIN’s; Destroy information that could be used to steal access your savings, checking or retirement funds. In additional to old hard drives, identity thieves can also find personal information on computer disks and CD’s they find in the trash. In fact, any digital device that stores data is an area of vulnerability if not destroyed properly. For more tips on preventing identity theft, log onto Maryland’s Attorney General’s website at www.oag.state.md.us/idtheft or e-mail their ID Theft Unit at idtheft@oag.state.md.us. Now, the Fallston Group’s advice is to use a shredding service like Incred-A-Shred; learn more at www.Incred-A-Shred.com.
Police Commissioner Right to Wait Before Releasing Shooting Information
Rob Weinhold – Principal, Fallston Group *Former Chief Spokesperson for Baltimore Police Department Some have criticized Baltimore Police Commissioner Fred Bealfeld for not releasing information about the controversial police-involved shooting this past weekend in a timely manner. The early morning incident, which resulted in an off-duty plain clothes police officer being shot and killed by responding on-duty officers, has many ramifications for everyone involved. By rushing to judgment or prematurely releasing information to the public, the BPD would be risking their most central and important asset – integrity. The nature of crises such as this creates an immediate information vacuum and chief executives often make the mistake of trying to fill it with turning what little they know at the time into something more substantive or speculating. And, even though many leaders try to lend perspective along the way, the spirit of an executive’s comments are often distorted and taken out of context over time as new information emerges. The nature of crises such as this creates an immediate information vacuum While providing immediate information has very legitimate value and is often the advice rightly given in many circumstances, in this situation the Commissioner has done the right thing in waiting until skilled investigators can establish the physical evidence, witness credibility and officer statements in accordance with the pattern and sequencing of events before presenting more facts publically. In virtually every crisis-oriented event, new facts emerge, more witnesses come forward and physical evidence materializes – all changing the immediate complexion of an incident. Tragically, according to the Washington Post, both CNN and NPR reported Congresswoman Gifford was fatally wounded not long after she had been shot. This was obviously not true as news outlets, at times, will also act on limited information. Let’s step back, give the BPD an opportunity to do its job then offer an opinion about the facts and circumstances from that evening once revealed. None of us were walking in the shoes of all involved that horrible evening; let the BPD conduct its search for the truth before condemning the Commissioner’s or anyone else’s decisions.
Safety First; Personal Safety Tips for Women
By: Rob Weinhold According to the USDOJ and CDC, nearly 2 million women are physically assaulted annually in the United States and 15%-20% percent of all American women report a sexual attack or rape at some time in their lives. And, because many sexual assaults go unreported, it remains clear that many more women are assaulted than law enforcement is able to report. The purpose of this blog is to provide some top-line advice to women regarding their personal safety, particularly during the holidays when there are many more women frequenting malls and other public places. 15%-20% percent of all American women report a sexual attack or rape at some time in their lives. And now, a few words of advice which could save your life: 1. Be keenly aware of your surroundings – keep your eyes and ears open; women who are observant and change their behavioral or travel patterns due to signs of danger are less likely to be attacked as their attacker loses the element of surprise. 2. Walk or shop with others; there is safety in numbers as most attackers will look for isolated, vulnerable victims. 3. Walk in well-lit areas near entrances or exits from commercial establishments; this will increase your visibility to others and decrease your chances of becoming a victim. 4. Have your keys in your hand with your finger on your vehicle’s alarm system while walking through parking lots. Many attackers will look for an opportunity to attack while their victim is distracted by fumbling around with keys, talking on the phone or listening to music on headphones. 5. Limit the number of packages you carry to your vehicle as not having any free hands may invite an attacker who sees opportunity – you may need to defend yourself so be as mobile and agile as possible. 6. Be very leery of cargo vans, camper vans, customized vans or large trucks that are parked next to yours; many attackers will observe a woman get out of their car, wait to park next to their parked vehicle then strike upon their return. A large vehicle restricts vision and it takes less than a few seconds to open a side door and pull a person inside. Be very leery of cargo vans, customized vans or large trucks. 7. Make eye contact with a person that makes you nervous; attackers look for weak, vulnerable women. Additionally, attackers don’t want victims who will be able to identify them. The way you carry yourself (confident and assertive) may well deter a suspect who is about to strike – use your voice and tell someone to “stop” – noise is a deterrent and alerts others around you. Always try to notice unique features about a person (scars, marks tattoos, etc.) in case there is a need to identify later. 8. Use elevators over stairwells or isolated walkways – stairwells are a haven for victimization. Get off of an elevator if you feel uncomfortable and wait for the next car, if necessary. 9. Dress appropriately – wearing heels or other tight fitting clothing will restrict your movement and ability struggle or run if there is a need to get away quickly. 10. Don’t be overly empathetic and compassionate to others as criminal behavior patterns indicate that suspects will try to lure unsuspecting, trusting women into positions of vulnerability (e.g. help carry packages to car, engaging in needless, prolonged conversation, etc.). 11. Don’t judge a book by its cover – many well-dressed, well-mannered and clean-cut suspects are out there looking for women to victimize. They are successful because the victims think they are “normal” people just needing help. 12. If an attacker is armed and is demanding property, give it to them and let them get away. If they are trying to abduct you, do everything you can to make noise, fight and run so as to not let the attacker get you under control and take you to another location. Your chances of survival lower dramatically if you end-up under the complete control of an attacker and are taken to another location. 13. If an attacker is armed with a gun, run away in a serpentine (zigzag) manner to get away if you can. While there is always a risk of being shot, your chances of survival are much better at the point of attack versus being abducted and taken to another location. If you must attack, strike the attacker aggressively in vulnerable areas – eyes, groins, throat, knees, etc. You are fighting for your life. Your goal is to get away and you must do everything possible to achieve that outcome. 14. Contact the nearest security or store personnel to escort you to your vehicle; security personnel don’t mind this as that is what they are there for. Even though most locations are now under video surveillance, this alone is not enough to protect you or ward-off attackers. 15. Trust your instincts – if you feel nervous or scared, it is with good reason. Take the extra time to take precautions and follow the advice outlined. Trust your instincts. These are just a few simple tips, there are many more as not one word of advice is a guarantee as every situation is different. The most important concept is to trust your instincts and be proactive in protecting yourself.
When Your Company Confronts a Crisis, Here’s When to Call a Cop
Examiner.com – Article Submitted by Gerry Hanlon (November 17, 2010) Recently an angry relative of a patient at Johns Hopkins Hospital shot a physician and barricaded himself inside. The tense standoff that resulted lasted for several hours while news media gathered around (and even flew above) the hospital. For insight into the way Johns Hopkins officials were responding to and handling the crisis, one of the first sources that Baltimore’s local television stations called was Rob Weinhold, founder of the Fallston Group, a crisis and issue management firm. Weinhold has faced plenty of dramatic situations before in his career. These days, he offers that experience to large organizations dealing with a wide variety of public relations issues. He’s been the Baltimore City Police Director of Public Affairs, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Justice (a Presidential appointment), and Director of Public Affairs (Policy and Research) for the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, among other challenging positions. After his years of public service, Weinhold was a trusted executive for Cal Ripken, Jr., and oversaw his core amateur sports business for nearly seven years. These days, as the principal driving the Fallston Group, he’s putting to good use his many years of executive experience helping to calm and defuse situations – a skill he originally learned as a Baltimore cop on the beat. Today, Weinhold is finding that his crisis communications expertise is making a critical difference for companies with a wide spectrum of issues. While confidentiality considerations preclude Weinhold from sharing too many client details about his work, he is able to talk about the broad category of problems he helps organizations to solve. “If you don’t tell your story, someone else will – and it won’t be the story you want told,” Weinhold says. “If you don’t tell your story, someone else will – and it won’t be the story you want told,” Weinhold says. “When it comes to handling sensitive situations in the corporate arena, most attorneys advise their clients not to say anything. Marketers tend to advise their clients to launch a campaign. At the Fallston Group, we advise our clients to steer a middle course – be forthright, but tell your story in a way that balances immediate needs with long-term stakeholder and corporate interests,” Weinhold explains. He adds, “There are many moving parts to a crisis situation, and it’s important to make decisions in a timely manner.” Discretion is paramount for Weinhold and his associates at the Fallston Group. “I work directly with CEOs who trust me with their most sensitive information,” Weinhold says. “Several clients refer to me as their ‘Chief Reputation Officer.’ Even our name ‘Fallston Group’ is designed fly under the radar. Being discreet is a key part of everything we do,” Weinhold says. Discretion in paramount. The Fallston Group has helped companies respond to a wide variety of media relations issues, including accusations of sexual harassment and internal security threats, as well as better understand how to integrate the legal aspects of a communications response to a crisis situation. “The best result is when we can turn a short-term, adverse situation into a long term advantage by helping the company to change the way they respond to challenges,” he says. Even though he specializes in calming crises, Weinhold believes in helping companies to avoid them in the first place. So he offers vulnerability assessment and crisis management training as part of his comprehensive approach to protecting his clients’ brands. “The best way to handle a corporate crisis is not to have one in the first place,” Weinhold says.
Brett Favre – Is His Reputation in Serious Peril ?
by Chris Catterton Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has built a reputation as one of the toughest players in the NFL, playing nearly 300 games consecutively without succumbing to injury. For the better part of two decades, Favre has held firm against opponents who have battered and trampled him but failed to stop him from running-out to play the next week. His endurance in the sport is already legendary, but his reputation is in serious peril – not by injuries to his aging body, but by allegations that he sent lewd text messages and photos to a female employee of the New York Jets when he was employed by the club two years ago. His endurance in the sport is already legendary, but his reputation is in serious peril. The probe into the allegations against Mr. Favre is ongoing and legal action seems eminent. However, one can only imagine what is going through the corporate minds of the New York Jets franchise. Once Jets’ executives got past the initial surprise of the allegations, the franchise has to be asking how they might have prevented this from happening, particularly since the allegations allegedly involve a staff member as an accessory. Additionally, the executive team is probably taking a very hard look at their sexual harassment policy (and other policies) to see if they are vulnerable in any way by employee action or written directive (or lack thereof). While a very unfortunate set of circumstances for all involved, this series of alleged incidents is a stark reminder that every organization, both large and small, must have the proper policies & procedures, employee training and managerial oversight in place to dramatically reduce corporate exposure and prevent victimization. Is your “franchise” protected? The Fallston Group offers expertise in this very important area and can help – please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Is your “franchise” protected?
