Failing to consider the worst that could happen will hurt your crisis management
It’s not easy to think of the worst things that could possibly happen involving your organization. It’s a bit scary, can get morbid, and basically leaves most people feeling squeamish, but it’s also absolutely vital to your success when big trouble does strike.
One question we frequently ask during vulnerability audit sessions with company leaders is, “do you all fly on the same plane/ride in the same car when you travel?” It typically leaves everyone at the table feeling pretty darn uncomfortable, but it’s precisely the way you need to be thinking when it comes to crisis planning.
One look at the news (hello, Ferguson) shows many examples of what happens when you aren’t prepared for worst-case scenarios. Draft up your list, create plans to cope, put preparations in place, then run simulations to see if you’re really ready.
Plan for the worst and hope for the best will never be more applicable, but if you should encounter said worst you’ll be grateful for the effort.
The BCM Blogging Team
https://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com