Crisis Communications – how to lead when things go wrong

Warren Buffet once said that it takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. This is a warning that rings true for any leader under pressure in a time of crisis. No matter how brilliantly we organise, and how diligently we prepare, we will always be challenged by the unexpected – an event beyond our control. That is when our leadership skills and our crisis communication plans really need to shine through.

Key Features:

• This course will discuss how leaders need to exhibit the key elements of a successful response to any crisis: honesty, transparency, accountability and consistency.
• Bad news travels fast – there was never a time when sticking your head in the sand was the right response to a crisis. Now, in the age of social media, the need to communicate early, clearly and often has become even more vital.
• Always expect the unexpected – we’ll discuss how proper planning can make managing a crisis less chaotic, and less dangerous to the reputation of your organisation.

Designed for:

• Established, or aspiring leaders in any organisation who will have a role to play in tackling bad news, or crisis communications planning.
• Anyone with an interest in developing their resilience and coping with high-stakes, high-pressure working environments.

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn how to plan for the worst – developing a structure for responding to any crisis.
• Understand your audience – how to handle media, social media and stakeholders.
• Learn the techniques used by great leaders in times of crisis.