A sign of deeper institutional issues? It’s not exactly a secret that star school athletes are frequently given special treatment, and we’re surprised that it hasn’t created scandals for more educational institutions. Some of that may be changing though, after revelations of academic scandal dating back nearly twenty years at …
HS Football Deaths and Crisis Management Next Steps
Are teen deaths a sign change is coming too slowly? Between September 26 and October 3, three U.S. high school football players died in three separate states. Of course this caught the attention of the national media, especially given the raging debate over the past few years of the safety …
Crisis Management Quotables…on Speaking as the People Do
The crisis management wisdom of Aristotle It’s always incredible to read a statement made thousands of years ago and find it completely relevant to your life today. This week’s Crisis Management Quotable, from famed Greek philosopher Artistotle, is definitely one of those. “Think as wise men do, but speak as …
Data Breach Crisis Management for Kmart
You didn’t really think we’d get through a full week without a data breach story, did you? Yesterday saw Sears Holdings Corp. announce a data breach at its Kmart stores with the statement below, posted to the Kmart website: Did you spot the element that was missing from this message? …
Crisis Management Quotables…on Delivering Your Message
Present a clear message when communicating in crisis I came across a quote from artist Hans Hoffman on the Mr. Media Training blog and thought it would make for a particularly interesting Crisis Management Quotable. You see, when Hoffman shared the thought below, he wasn’t speaking about verbal or written …
Internal Document Exposure Embarasses Sainsbury’s
Don’t let leaked documents leave you looking foolish Internal communications often contain information that carries plenty of potential for reputation damage, which is why they always need to be very clearly labeled as such. Late last month, Twitter user @mynameischrisd tweeted this image: .@sainsburys not sure this is supposed to …
Crisis Management Quotables…on Goals for Communication
Always have a goal before you start communicating Anyone who leads a religious congregation can tell you a thing or two about communication, and this week’s Crisis Management Quotable comes to us not from a run-of-the-mill clergyman, but the first Bishop of Texas, Alexander Gregg. Assisting his state and its …
Avoid Being Blindsided, Prepare for Crisis Management
Open your eyes and look to find weak spots where trouble could start Major organizations continue to be blindsided by crises on an almost daily basis, but how? They have the budget, they have the manpower, so what exactly is lacking that results in loss of reputation, financial woes, and …
FIFA Draws Penalty with Nonexistent Crisis Management
Arrogant is not the word you want to be associated with when you’re caught with your hand in the cookie jar FIFA has been facing growing global pressure over its (allegedly) bribe-fueled decision to award the next two World Cups to Russia and Qatar, and the organization clearly still doesn’t understand …
NFL’s Old-School Crisis Management Doesn’t Cut It
It’s time to break the cycle of crisis As you’re certainly aware, the NFL is once again in desperate need of crisis management as a result of not only Ray Rice, but also the league’s handling of his entire situation. Many, especially the women who make up an estimated 45% …
How to Handle Hostile Audiences
[From the Ed: This guest blog comes to us courtesy of Australia-based communications expert Antoni Lee] Handling hostile audiences isn’t easy, but is sometimes necessary. I recently had serious fun with senior public servants, workshopping handling hostile audiences. Specific contexts warrant specific approaches, but the following general points may also …
Crisis Management Quotables…on Creating a Lasting Reputation
Talk is cheap, reputation is priceless Mencius was a fourth-century philosopher who studied and fought to preserve the teachings of Confucious against competing schools of thought. Of course, this meant he spent a LOT of time thinking about human nature, which likely led to him produce this week’s Crisis Management Quotable: …
Crisis Management Quickies: Worst-Case Scenarios
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 …
Analysts Call Samsung Out on Need for Crisis Management
Evidence of how the opinions of thought leaders can influence your fortune If financial analysts are telling investors that your organization needs crisis management, they’re right. You see, even if their analysis is wrong, the fact that experts are saying it means your reputation is at risk. Although Samsung has been …
Crisis Management Musts: Owning Your Story
Taking control of the narrative is essential One of the biggest battles you’ll fight in crisis management is the one to control the narrative surrounding whatever’s occurred. This doesn’t mean you can bury facts or cover up wrongdoing, but it does mean that you’re able to put your side of …