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The goal of crisis communications planning is to adapt effectively to threatening and sudden developments as quickly as possible. Here are some questions to consider when thinking of crisis communications:

  • Do you have a crisis communications plan?  If yes, does it include an action plan for a widespread health emergency?
  • Who are your most important stakeholders?  Arguably, employees are your most important audience, followed by customers (however they are defined), vendors, investors/funding sources, and other business partners.
  • Employees are most concerned about their own health and that of their loved ones. Are you providing the information they need on how they can protect themselves and their families?
  • Do you need to update/create/implement policies regarding working remotely, business travel, conferences and meetings, supply chain continuity, and other concerns?
  • Do you have an intranet, mass communication platform, or other highly effective means of communicating quickly with your entire employee base? Are your contacts updated?
  • What do your communications strategies need to address?  Ideally, communications are addressing the actions you are taking to create awareness, protect people, instill confidence, build trust and enhance credibility. 
  • Who is responsible for communicating with each audience? What is the best vehicle to reach each audience quickly and effectively? How are you keeping leadership updated?
  • Key messages, talking points, and Q&A should be prepared, approved, and placed in the hands of all those who are responsible for communicating with various stakeholders. 

If you consider these questions thoughtfully, you will be in a better position to respond agilely to the volatile challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

For more information about crisis communications, contact Darren Richards at drichards@tuckerhall.com.

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