8 Key Components of a Crisis Communication Plan


In today’s volatile business environment, organizations must have a plan before a crisis strikes. Whether it is an operational crisis that disrupts business continuity or a reputational crisis that destabilizes the brand, being prepared ahead of disruption may help minimize impact.

Having good communication during a crisis is key to navigating uncertain times. Further, an organization’s employees can be its best (or worst) message mouthpiece. For this reason, communication needs to reach every employee at the same time, regardless of their physical location or their level in the organization. One of the best ways to quickly achieve this is through an internal communication platform.

However, with both internal and external communication (including with stakeholders and on social media), it is crucial that organizations craft messaging that is clear and has a consistent voice and message.

Sometimes one message is not enough. An organization should, therefore, be prepared to share its vision during a crisis, and the employee’s role within that vision, more than once.

Follow these eight key components of a communication plan to help set your organization up for success during the next crisis:

  1. Identify the goal of the communication plan
  2. Identify the stakeholders
  3. Create a hierarchy for sharing information
  4. Create fact sheets
  5. Identify and assess example crisis scenarios specific to your organization
  6. Identify and answer common questions
  7. Identify potential risks
  8. Create social media guidelines

If you would like to learn more about communication during disruption, watch the on-demand recording Communication in Crisis with UNC Professor Stephanie Mahin.

Stephanie Mahin

Clinical Associate Professor of Management and Corporate Communication

Sources

HubSpot

Related Content

Discover how our transformational learning experiences deliver results for our corporate sector clients.

  • How to Strengthen Your Sales Leadership Talent Pipeline

    Learn how to build a strong sales leadership pipeline by identifying future organizational leaders within sales teams, developing essential leadership skills, and creating clear internal growth pathways.

  • How UNC Helped Service Logic Lead With Impact 

    Learn how a leading HVAC service network partnered with UNC Executive Development to elevate leadership. Through a custom executive education program, the company is fostering collaboration and driving strategic innovation.

  • Brain-Based Tools for Smarter Negotiations

    Discover how neuroscience can transform negotiation skills. Learn brain-based strategies to boost creativity, emotional regulation, and resilience for smarter, more successful negotiations.

  • Generative AI at Work: Stay Creative, Stay Compliant

    Learn how to use generative AI at work to boost creativity while staying compliant with copyright laws. Discover key strategies to reduce legal risks and ensure ethical AI use.

  • Building Resilient Supply Chains in a Changing World

    In a world where disruption is the new normal, discover how forward-thinking leaders can transform supply chains into resilient, adaptive engines of competitive advantage.

Contact Us About Your Organization's Needs

Pavilion with columns and red flowering bushes at UNC
Linkedin logo Facebook logo Instagram logo Email envelope icon