Conflict, uncertainty and coping with change
Under Pressure 7 March 2025
Conflict, uncertainty and coping with change
One thing is clear at the moment and that is we are going through a period of significant change in society. Alliances that had been in place for years and were taken for granted are being tested. The world order as we have known it is under pressure and there is a huge amount of uncertainty.
What does this mean for communicators? The events may feel like a world away for many - unless you are in Ukraine or some of the Baltic states - but its impact is being felt by everyone.
I have a real concern that bosses and senior leaders will see the Trump playbook and consider that as an acceptable way to operate. State inaccurate information enough times and people might start to believe it. Speak only to the media that you sanction. We could go on. At the moment Trump is being able to operate largely unchallenged but for businesses the behaviour would be called out really quickly.
We are all going to have to consider who are allies and where relationships no longer exist. As communicators, what position do we want to take? What is going to be acceptable and how can businesses and organisations survive the choppy waters ahead? I have been surprised by some of the media coverage over the past week where journalists appear to be struggling to know what to make of the daily churn of announcements and actions.
If you are unlucky enough to have a crisis in the coming days and weeks these external events, announcements and incidents could fundamentally change the approach your communication. What you say may need to be amended and people may require more reassurance than ever before. If situations deteriorate we will have to be aware of how it is affecting people. It was interesting to see both Canada and France leaders speak directly to their communities this week.
I wish I could see some hope on the horizon but at the moment I would anticipate we are all going to have to learn what this changing world order. In all this remember three things:
Step away from the news and focus on building your resilience
Be prepared for bad behaviour, fake news and unethical actions that may surround you
Remain focused on honesty, integrity and maintaining confidence in who you are and what you do
NEW EVENT Misinformation, Disinformation, Malinformation and Gaslighting
Amanda will be joining with Professor Lucy Easthope to discuss some of the most challenging aspects of crisis and emergency response and communication. The event takes place online on 7 April 2025 and is free to attend. Find out more here.
Moving ahead with advanced crisis training
Being able to face the changes in society and communication is at the heart of the advanced crisis communication training run by Amanda on 20 March. The half day session will focus on audience identification, polarisation, channel changes, fake news as well as a hint of artificial intelligence. If you want to attend or find out more about the session email office@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
Understanding crisis and reputation management
Amanda was a recent guest on the PRCA’s Fuse Podcast talking to host Farzana Baduel. The relaxed conversation considered crisis management, reputation management and PR leadership. Listen to the conversation here.
In Brief:
The International Journal of Strategic Communication has just published an interesting research article looking at people’s views if AI is used to write statements at a time of crisis. There are some interesting findings with ethical considerations remaining critical. Find out more here.
The European Union has updated its recommendations for its blueprint on cyber security crisis management and incident response calling for more cyber data sharing across NATO. Read more here.
FEMA has restricted staff from talking to the media following an allegation that employees ‘disclosed non public information’. Find out more here.
An interesting article about how American law enforcement organisations are trying to provide mobile phones for people who don’t have them for use in emergencies. Read about the details here.
The Business Continuity Institute has published a report looking at crisis communication and has highlighted that businesses are revisiting plans because of remote and hybrid working patterns. Read more here.
The latest crisis communication case study prepared by Amanda has been published. Testing Times in March looks at the ongoing challenges from cyber attacks and threats. Find it and previous editions here.
Ottawa City Council voted to remain on X (Twitter) for the moment. Find out more about why here.
Diary Dates:
On 13 March Amanda is running her popular Crisis Management webinar for the PRCA. If you want to join or find out more check it out here.
As mentioned above Amanda will be joined by Professor Lucy Easthope for a free online session looking at misinformation, disinformation, malinformation and gaslighting on 7 April 2025.
The CIPR South West conference on 30 April in Cheltenham will see Amanda discuss the latest crisis communication issues. Find out more about the conference here.