The power and importance of good (crisis) communication

Organisations often face unexpected challenges and events. Good communication is important in any situation, but its importance becomes especially clear in times of crisis. To cope with an (unexpected) crisis situation, collecting, processing and disseminating information quickly is essential to prevent reputation damage and maintain stakeholder trust. The proactive deployment of crisis communication cannot therefore be ignored: effective communication can make the difference between a manageable situation and unmanageable reputational damage.

The value of good crisis communication
Crisis communication focuses on communicating effectively during a crisis or emergency. It involves providing information to stakeholders to keep them informed and updated on what is happening and what is being done to resolve a problem.

The aim is to give the stakeholders involved an understanding of the situation and its possible consequences. It is essential to act swiftly to limit the impact of a crisis, avoid rumours and speculation and prevent escalation. It is also important to protect interests, be accountable and, above all, be transparent about what has happened and what steps are being taken to resolve the situation.

Thoughtful crisis communication strategy essential
When an organisation has a crisis communication plan and deploys it proactively, response time can be significantly reduced and the organisation can respond appropriately to the crisis.

Such a communication strategy involves several aspects, such as risk analysis, adequate internal organisation with a clear spokesperson line and corresponding authority, the identification and prioritisation of stakeholders, determining the right messages, choosing the right communication channels, setting up an effective coordination and communication structure, etc. Of course, it also includes ongoing evaluation and adjusting the communication strategy if necessary.

Public Matters can support you in this. We specialise in strategic (crisis) communication and work for organisations in various sectors. We run integrated campaigns and activities, help manage stakeholders and media effectively, monitor and have a Team of consultants with multidisciplinary expertise. During crises, we keep a clear mind and have been a trusted partner of companies and organisations for years.

Wondering what Public Matters can do for your organisation? Please contact us and/or see what other services we offer.