3 signs your workplace is unprepared for a crisis

"Unless a crisis management plan is in place, organizations will not know what to do when a crisis strikes, who will do it, how to do it, or why it should be done. For every minute a business delays in responding to a crisis, it will find itself in a defensive position and at a loss on the steps it should take to address the unfolding situation."

"The best and most effective plans should include these major categories: When and how the plan was prepared, updated, and tested The event or development that will trigger a crisis for the company Who has the authority to activate the plan What should be done and in what order to address the crisis What needs to be said about the situation, and who will say it Who should be told about the crisis, and how they should be notified"

Rapid spread of misinformation and risks from emerging technologies can quickly damage brand reputations and leave organizations vulnerable. Companies without preparedness expose brands, reputations, and futures to significant risk. A primary warning sign of unpreparedness is the absence of a crisis management plan. Without a plan, organizations will not know what to do when a crisis strikes, who should act, or how to communicate. Delays in response push businesses into defensive positions and uncertainty about next steps. Many plans are outdated and fail to address new threats like generative AI. Most effective plans specify triggers, authorities, actions, messaging, and notification procedures.

Read at Fast Company