Crisis Communication/Reputation Management

One of the oldest maxims in media training is "If you don't want to see it in print, or hear it on the news, then don't say it." Once you've said it, it can't be unsaid, and your organization could suffer from a thoughtless or careless remark. Today, there are even more ways than interviews to get in trouble;  Twitter, Facebook, and the many other instant communication sites have caused embarrassment to more than one company or individual. (See Item #6) So, if you can't take back what you said, what can you do to protect your reputation and diminish the impact of your mistake?

What are some of the key issues to consider when contemplating the development of a crisis communications program?  (Item #1)   A good crisis communications plan doesn't just build itself. (Item #2)   As the ultimate unplanned activity, a crisis does not lend itself to conventional "command and control" management practices. (Item #3)

Chief executives are now generally expected to be good communicators. (Item #4)   For businesses and individuals that might be prone to online criticism, there are rules to live by. (Item #5)   The primary task for social media handlers is to engage with users at every available opportunity, but doing so can backfire if you’re not careful. (Item #6)


Past issues of the NewsBriefs can be found at http://www.attainium.net/newsbriefs/