In a nutshell, it doesn’t. All the same questions need to be asked:
- What is motivating me as I consider this decision?
- How clear am I on the options I have?
- Am I as ready, willing and able to implement the “best” option as I need to be?
If the answer is no, start back at question 1.
The real difference is how much time you have to make decisions which usually reflects there is limited time to get real clarity on options. That makes it tricky.
Consider this approach to crisis planning:
- Think about the type of decisions you may need to make – internal, external communications for example.
- Think about establishing processes to get information flowing to the decision makers – who will need to source what from whom and how will they pass it on.
- Think about decision making delegations – if it takes too long the opportunity may be lost.
- Think about the level of awareness you want to create and how quickly – your communications strategy.
If you think about crisis decision making in this way you are well on your way to formulating crisis plans.
If you want to hear from an international expert on crisis communications, there is one coming to Australia, Bob Jensen, fresh from the Whitehouse. He retired last week. Not only is he running practical seminars he is also hosting intimate dinners where Chatham House Rules will be applying. (More info and registration here) if that won’t get you excited…