In a recent summit, Associate at Slateford law firm, Jess Alden emphasized the importance of preemptive crisis management in businesses. Clear channels of communication, monitoring business processes, and creating robust crisis management plans were stressed as vital to avoiding significant harm to a company’s reputation.
Alden advised the need to recognize potential crises much in advance. A dedicated team could aid in spotting these signals, prevent major damages from these crises, and plan strategies for future potentialities. The key to successful crisis management, according to Alden, lies in keeping a keen eye and maintaining continuous vigilance over key business operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic was cited by Alden as a classic case where early warnings were ignored. In this light, she emphasized companies to strategize plans safeguarding their operations against such disruptions. Risk management systems that spot and address potential issues in time would help them ensure their continuity.
A collaborative approach between companies’ HR, PR, and legal teams could provide a well-rounded view of potential threats. Not just that, their combined expertise could also contribute to creating comprehensive strategies to handle issues effectively.
Alden’s insights on proactive crisis handling
Alden stressed that proper communication is vital for everyone to stay informed and prepared.
Alden, further, advised companies not to view public or media inquiries as threats but as opportunities for obtaining crucial intel about potential crises. Transparent and open communication with interested parties often helps resolve problems quicker. Preparation, a clear plan, and consistent messaging can contribute to building a strong reputation and trust.
Talking about how to address a crisis, Alden urged companies to act without guilt. Open communication with all stakeholders, such as employees, community, partners, and customers, during such times can alleviate the crisis’s impact and prevent potential misinformation. Building a culture of transparency and accountability can lead to increased trust and engagement from stakeholders, thereby painting the business in a positive light.
To conclude, Alden suggested that any crisis, regardless of its magnitude, serves as a catalyst for change and improvement within the company. How it is addressed matters the most. If handled efficiently, a crisis can even bolster a company’s credibility and brand integrity.
