Crisis Insider

“Sticky” crises require near-immediate response and might compel crisis managers to explore and understand emerging crises’ breadth and scope. These additional complexities and communication demands influence the way crisis managers prepare for crises. Leadership requirements during sticky crises and diversity were some of the areas examined in a survey from Crisis Insider parent PRNEWS and UGA’s Crisis Communication Coalition. More than 400 PR pros were surveyed in early spring 2021. We provide several highlights.

One of the most difficult moments for crisis communicators is knowing when, or even if, to react. Once you decide to act, finding a proper response is critical. The backlash against Burger King UK’s tweet was immediate. The company, though, seemed to forget a motto it used for 40 years: ‘Have It Your Way.’ Instead, after choosing to respond, it doubled down with explanations.

Information warfare is no longer a problem just for governments. Increasingly, companies find themselves targeted. Few have adequate defenses. As the threat expands, developing the capability to counter disinformation needs to be at the top of your to-do list.

Each month, we look at new terms picking up steam in the crisis landscape with a definition. This month, we look at empathetic bankers and partisan changes.

Gone are the days when companies could comfortably stay out of the U.S. socio-political morass. The old strategy of remaining silent or neutral quickly riles customers and other stakeholders in today’s charged, social media-savvy culture. For most brands, it is hard to imagine how taking a stand on a political hot potato won’t alienate customers. Yet, when done correctly, taking a political stand can build brand and employee loyalty.

Deb Hileman outlines her top 15 fundamental principles of crisis management for communicators to keep top of mind.

In this issue, we answer the question, how do you counsel a leader to issue a heartfelt apology, particularly when the person is reluctant to admit culpability? What best practices do you recommend for preparing communicators to handle these situations?

Along with what you say, how you say it, or tone of voice, helps establish a public perception. Tone can be critical during a PR crisis.

The cannabis and CBD industry presents unique opportunities and challenges for PR pros. Here, a communicator prevents a crisis for her client.

Early data shows how communication executives and PR pros assess complex and challenging industry-wide issues (e.g., workplace health, ethics in conflict management, and diversity, equity and inclusion [DEI]) .So far, the preliminary data show significant differences related to the perceptions of a diverse workforce.