Crisis Communication at Christmas
Crisis Communication at Christmas
Under Pressure 1 December 2022
Crisis Communication at Christmas
After two festive seasons that have been affected by Covid-19 and restrictions, Christmas 2022 has brought its own challenges. There is the cost-of-living crisis, industrial unrest and strikes, climate concerns and the possibility of blackouts to contend with. At the same time many communicators will be trying to find a moment to refresh and recharge after a tough year.
This is not a time to take your eye off the ball or just hope that the world will stop for a few days. I have faced many crises at Christmas time and one of the biggest challenges is the time it takes to recognise something is happening. With a reduced number of staff in many workplaces and communication teams operating at a skeleton level or only available for emergencies, it adds time to the response.
There is a 20-minute window to show people you are aware and dealing with the crisis that has occurred. While this may be slightly extended during the festive period there is still no more than 30-45mins to be proactive in managing the communication. I am not trying to bring the mood down just encourage people to think ahead. So, what simple steps can we put in place to allow people some time off but to be ready to act?
Ensure monitoring systems are still operating and are up to date to pick up any recent risks or situations you have been managing.
Have an emergency rota in place so that there is always someone available to provide support if needed.
If you are shutting up shop for the festive period still have a member of the team who can do some daily checks on channels to check for emerging issues.
Ensure your crisis plan and issues management approach is ready to use and includes templates and checklists.
Have contact details and key information together in a pack, including printed in case of power outages, so they can be easily accessed.
Be ready to bring in some external support to help manage issues and to allow the team time off.
Finally, enjoy your festive season whether you are working or taking time off. Find those moments to relax, refresh and recharge your batteries. Throughout December I will be sharing some crisis communication hints and tips, speaking to those who can share their expertise and will be offering a festive book bundle featuring both my books - Crisis Communication Strategies and Everyday Communication Strategies. Check out my social media for details during December.
Planning for blackouts - update
There have already been some small-scale blackouts that have taken place including one in part of Greater Manchester recently. Concern continues with the UK Government planning a campaign on how to save energy, and a recent warning of low supplies in the UK being issued. Similar concerns are being seen across Europe.
My short guide Communicating through the Darkness has been sent around the world as lots of countries are planning for potential problems through the winter. A copy is still available if you email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk and to support the learning Amanda has interviewed two people who have real experience of blackouts.
Shawna Bruce in Canada - view the 10 minute video here
Aamir Abbasi from Pakistan - view the 10 minute video here
NEW Issues Management training
Following the publication of Amanda’s latest book, she is running a short introduction to Issues Management session in January. The two-hour session will look at identifying issues early, planning to support the response, developing an escalation process and ethical decision making.
The session takes place on 19 January at 1pm GMT. Places are limited and the cost has been kept at £50. For more information or to reserve a space email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
Test your crisis comms skills
Anyone unable to attend the first crisis communication exercise run by Amanda in December, a second crisis communication exercise is taking place on Thursday 9th February at 1pm GMT.
The session will be a two-hour scenario that develops and requires participants to consider actions and their decision-making when situations develop.
Places will be limited and can be reserved now by contact Amanda by email (amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk).
In Brief:
The World Health Organisation has launched a digital app aimed at encouraging young people to be active. It has been released to coincide with the World Cup in Qatar. Find out more here.
With ongoing concerns about the future of Twitter an article in the Washington Post considers what it will mean to crisis communication. Read more here
PR came under pressure after a UK politician went on a reality TV show. Find out why in this blog by Amanda.
A new ISO standard for crisis management has been published. Thanks to PWC’s Bobbie Ramsden-Knowles for highlighting some details about what is included. Check it out here.
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction has been sharing and reminding people of the Sendai framework and the targets for 2030. Find out more here.
Congratulations to Mark Harris who won a copy of the book Everyday Communication Strategies after becoming the 400th subscriber to this newsletter. Details were revealed on LinkedIn.
Website PR Daily asked a selection of communication experts for their predictions for communication in 2023. Find out what they highlighted as issues and trends for next year.
The latest edition of Amanda’s monthly crisis communication case study Testing Times has been published. If you want more information or to receive a copy email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
Diary Dates:
Amanda’s Introduction to Issues Management session takes place on 19 January over zoom. For more details email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
Training on Making Better Decisions under Pressure will be run by Amanda on 11 January on behalf of the PRCA. Find out more about the session here.