If you’re even remotely involved in crisis management, then a couple weeks ago your desk was flooded with H1N1 flu warnings and preparations. The aim of many communicators was to prevent panic, and they were quite effective. Judith Analco of consulting firm EnviroKey says that may be a problem.
In our crisis-weary state, not many public figures are willing to subject themselves to possible criticism for fear mongering. It’s tempting to want to hedge our bets. But the price of getting it wrong here – i.e., by underpreparing – is considerably higher than that of overpreparing, though admittedly, the latter could result in significant costs and wasted effort.
Analco strongly urges active crisis prevention to lower the impact of potential threats. Her post has several suggestions for ways in which leaders, both public and business, can define the issues more clearly to their constituents, while still maintaining calm.
JB
Jonathan Bernstein
www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com