Crisis and Grief
I start this edition of Under Pressure with a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time and trouble to send me their thoughts and prayers after I tragically lost my Mum. The messages have been really welcomed by my family at what is the most difficult time I have ever experienced.
Crisis and Grief
My current situation has opened my eyes to the feelings of grief that those caught up in crises will experience. The loss, and the realisation that in a moment your life has changed forever. When we are responding to emergencies and disasters it is easy to get focused on what needs to be done and to lose sight of what really matters.
What matters is supporting people as they face their lives being turned upside down and never being the same again. This is why I spend a lot of time telling communicators they need to be really aware of the words they use and how they may be interpreted. One word can alter the meaning of a sentence and you may not see it until it is too late.
So, how do we make a change? For those involved in crisis communication, crisis management or emergency response there needs to be some training that helps to open your eyes to what is happening. The more we can see what others are seeing the more effective our communication can become. Grief is a strange thing as I am finding out. It affects everyone in a different way, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be aware of it and what it means for our communication.
I refer to it as trying to look at what is happening from the outside in. Attempt to put yourself in the shoes of those experiencing the situation and run any communication through the test of what they are seeing and feeling.
My days at the moment are filled with darkness and despair as a shining light in my life has been extinguished. It is making me more determined than ever to get people to look at crisis communication in a different way, and to put people at the heart of the planning and response.
Emergency Planning and Communication
The two disciplines of emergency planning and communication need to be brought together for effective crisis response, according to Amanda Coleman. As Chair of the Emergency Planning Society Communication Professional Working Group, Amanda is helping the group to find ways to improve emergency communication by closer working.
In the coming weeks, Amanda is going to talk about the importance of emergency planners and communicators working together. If you are in an organisation do you know who produces the emergency plans? Are you aware of the challenging issues they are considering? If not, now is the time to find out.
Communicators can join the Emergency Planning Society and help to shape the future, identify good practice and help with training opportunities. To find out more check out the Emergency Planning Society website here.
Coaching Support
If you feel you need some support and guidance on how to deal with the uncertainties and challenges of daily communication work get in touch. Amanda has extensive experience of working with communicators facing difficult situations to help them find a way forward. Sessions are tailored to suit individual circumstances. Get in touch to find out more email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
In Brief:
The UK’s Emergency Planning Society is looking for Directors as it is looking to develop and deliver on its strategy for the future. Find out more here.
The latest edition of the monthly crisis communication case study by Amanda Coleman Communications, Testing Times, is out now. To read about a product recall and the importance of timing check it out here.
America is facing a baby formula crisis as the milk is in short supply. The situation is leading to calls for the US Biden administration to step in and assist. Find out more here.
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Crisis Communication Network is running a cyber attack crisis simulation on 23 May. It is a crisis that every organisation may face and should prepare for. Find out more about the event here.
Diary Dates:
Training to get maximum impact from a dwindling PR budget is the focus of a session Amanda is running on 1 June for the PRCA. To book a place check out the details here.
A half day PRCA workshop looking at developing a communication strategy is fully booked on 7 June but another session is available in September if you don’t want to miss out this year. Find out more here.
Crisis and emergency communication is the focus of a two day training course designed by Amanda for public sector communicators. The course is part of the Westco training programme and takes place on 16 and 17 June. Find out more here.
Amanda has been announced as one of the speakers for the 2022 Commshero Week. Find out details through the website here.